Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage or same-gender marriage, is when two people of the same legal sex or gender marry. Many countries now allow same-sex couples to marry. The most recent place to allow this is Thailand.

Same-sex marriage is allowed in many developed countries and parts of the Western world. In places where it is allowed, these couples can often also adoption rights. Some countries, like Nigeria and Russia, have laws that do not support same-sex marriage.

In Europe, people have married people of the same sex since a long time ago. Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were the first same-sex couple in modern times to get a marriage license in Minnesota in 1971. The first law allowing same-sex marriage was passed in the continental Netherlands in 2001.

Allowing same-sex marriage helps people and families. It gives same-sex couples the same legal rights as other couples. Many groups, like human rights and civil rights groups, support same-sex marriage.

Terminology

Some people who support same-sex marriage use words like marriage equality and equal marriage. They want same-sex couples to have the same rights as opposite-sex couples. Groups like Marriage Equality USA, Freedom to Marry, Canadians for Equal Marriage, and Marriage for All Japan have helped lead this movement.

Over time, many dictionaries have updated their definition of marriage to include same-sex couples. This change helps make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter who they love. Some people still use the term traditional marriage to mean only a union between a man and a woman.

History

Main article: History of same-sex unions

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of same-sex marriage.

For broader coverage of this topic, see History of homosexuality

Long ago, some old writings told stories about people of the same gender being together. In ancient Rome, some leaders had special ceremonies with other men, but these were not real marriages.

In more recent times, people began to support marriage for same-sex couples in the late 20th century. In 1989, Denmark was the first country to recognize same-sex relationships through registered partnerships. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex couples to marry. Since then, many countries have allowed same-sex marriage, though not all countries have done so yet. Today, many countries allow same-sex marriage, including parts of the Americas and Western Europe.

Timeline

Main article: Timeline of same-sex marriage

The table below shows when different places began allowing people of the same gender to get married. Many places around the world now let people of the same gender marry. The dates show when these marriages became official or when the laws were passed.

Same-sex marriage around the world

Main articles: Legal status of same-sex marriage, Same-sex union legislation, and Recognition of same-sex unions by country

Same-sex marriage is allowed and recognized in 38 countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. Same-sex marriages done from far away or in other countries are accepted with full rights by Israel.

Same-sex marriage is being thought about by leaders or judges in El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Nepal, and Venezuela.

Civil unions might be allowed soon in some countries, like Kosovo, Peru, the Philippines and Poland.

Other arrangements

Civil unions

Main article: Civil union

Some countries have special ways for couples to get legal rights like marriage. These are called civil unions, civil partnerships, domestic partnerships, registered partnerships, or unregistered partnerships. These give couples many of the same benefits as married people. As of May 1, 2026, countries with these arrangements include Bolivia, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino. Israel also recognizes same-sex marriages done in other places with full rights.

Also, eighteen countries that allow same-sex marriage also have these special arrangements for couples. These include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Some parts of the United States like Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada and Oregon, as well as parts of Canada, also have these arrangements.

Non-sexual same-sex marriage

Kenya

Main article: LGBT rights in Kenya

In some areas of Kenya, like among the Gikuyu, Nandi, Kamba, and Kipsigis peoples, women sometimes marry each other. This happens mainly when a family does not have a son and wants to keep their property within the family. This is not seen as a romantic relationship but as a way to keep the family together.

Nigeria

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Nigeria

In parts of Nigeria, especially among the Igbo people, women can also marry each other in special situations. For example, if a woman has no children and her husband passes away, she may take another wife to continue her family’s legacy and keep her inheritance.

Religion and same-sex marriage

Some Christian groups, like the progressive Christian churches, let local churches decide if they want to support marriages between people of the same gender. Networks such as the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Ecumenical Catholic Church, and Metropolitan Community Church also support this.

In Judaism, groups like Reconstructionist Judaism, the World Council of Synagogues, and the World Union for Progressive Judaism have said they support marriages between people of the same gender.

Studies

The American Anthropological Association says many kinds of families, including those with same-sex partners, help build strong and caring societies. Research from universities and medical centers supports this idea.

Studies show that when same-sex couples can marry, many of them do. Allowing same-sex marriage helps these couples get better health coverage. It also helps families feel more supported and secure.

Issues

See also: LGBT rights opposition

Different places have different ideas about marriages between people of the same sex. Some places welcome these marriages, while others have rules against them.

People who support marriages between people of the same sex say these unions help families and children. Some believe the government should not decide who can marry. Others think allowing these marriages gives couples and their families many good benefits.

Parenting

Studies show that children with two parents—whether both moms, both dads, or a mom and dad—are healthy and happy. Experts say letting couples of the same sex marry helps families and children.

Same-sex couples may need help to have children, like adoption or special medical help. Some couples adopt, while others use science to help them have a baby.

Adoption

Main article: LGBT adoption

Most places that allow same-sex marriage also let these couples adopt children. Some places, like Ecuador and parts of Mexico, do not allow this yet, but rules are changing.

Transgender and intersex people

See also: Transgender rights and Intersex human rights

Rules about marriage can be tricky for people who are transgender or intersex. Some places make it hard for them to marry because of how they see gender. But many places now let people change their legal gender, making it easier to marry.

Divorce

Main article: Divorce of same-sex couples

Before same-sex marriage was widely allowed, couples could only end their marriage in places that recognized these unions.

Judicial and legislative

Main article: Conflict of marriage laws § Same-sex marriage

Some believe same-sex marriage should be decided by votes, while others think it is a right that courts should protect.

Public opinion

Many people around the world have talked about whether two people of the same gender should be allowed to marry. Over time, more people, especially younger ones, have started to agree with this idea. In places where people have more education, support is often higher.

Surveys show that younger people, especially those under 35, usually support same-gender marriage more than older people. For example, a survey in 2016 found that about 63% of young adults aged 18 to 21 in many countries supported it. This shows that more people are starting to accept it.

Main article: Public opinion of same-sex marriage in the United States
Main article: Public opinion of same-sex marriage in Australia