Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage or same-gender marriage, is the marriage of two people of the same legal sex or gender. As of 2025, marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized in 38 countries, with a total population of 1.5 billion people. The most recent jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage is Thailand.

Same-sex marriage is legally recognized in a majority of the world's developed countries and across much of the Western world. Many places that allow same-sex marriage also grant adoption rights to those couples. Some countries, such as Nigeria and Russia, have laws that restrict advocacy for same-sex marriage.

In Europe, there are records of marriage between men dating back to the first century. Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were the first same-sex couple in modern history known to obtain a marriage license and have their marriage legally recognized, which happened on September 3, 1971, in Minnesota. The first law providing for marriage equality was passed in the continental Netherlands in 2000 and took effect on April 1, 2001.

Scientific studies show that allowing same-sex marriage helps the well-being of gay people and benefits children raised by same-sex couples. It also provides important legal protections and services to same-sex couples, similar to those available to couples who are not of the same sex. Many groups, including medical, scientific, human rights, and civil rights organizations, support same-sex marriage.

Terminology

Some people who support same-sex marriage use words like marriage equality and equal marriage to show that 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 ancient writings mention relationships between people of the same gender. For example, an old text from around the year 200 CE talked about men marrying men and women marrying women. In ancient Rome, some leaders had ceremonies that looked like weddings with other men, but these were not real marriages under the law.

In more recent times, the idea of marriage for same-sex couples began to gain support in the late 20th century. In 1989, Denmark was the first country to officially recognize relationships for same-sex couples through a system called registered partnerships. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex couples to marry just like different-sex couples. Since then, many more countries around the world have made same-sex marriage legal, though not all countries have done so yet. Today, 38 countries allow same-sex marriage, including most parts of the Americas and Western Europe.

Timeline

Main article: Timeline of same-sex marriage

The table below shows when different places started allowing people of the same gender to get married. As of 2025, 38 places around the world have made this possible. The dates listed are when these marriages officially began or when the laws were passed to allow them.

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 legally performed 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 marriage performed remotely or abroad is recognized with full marital rights by Israel.

Same-sex marriage is under consideration by the legislature or the courts in El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Nepal, and Venezuela.

Civil unions are being considered in a number of countries, including 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 similar to marriage, 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 choose whether 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 all said they support marriages between people of the same gender.

Studies

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

Studies show that when same-sex couples can marry, they often do, but not as often as couples of different sexes. Allowing same-sex marriage helps these couples get better health coverage and can improve health for some groups. It also helps families feel more supported and secure.

Issues

See also: LGBT rights opposition

Different places have had many different ideas about marriages between people of the same sex. Some have welcomed these unions, while others have had 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 shared their thoughts on marriage between two people of the same gender through surveys and studies. Over time, more and more people have begun to support this idea, especially younger generations. In many countries, people with more education also tend to support it more.