Countries where same-sex marriage is legal

By Editorji News Desk
Published on | Feb 16, 2024

Marriage equality

There are more than 30 countries where same-sex marriage is legal and the latest country to join the list is Greece.

Greece, 2024

On February 15, Greece's parliament adopted a bill legalising same-sex marriage and adoption, despite opposition from the powerful Orthodox Church.

Netherlands, 2001

Netherlands is the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Since then, more than 15,000 homosexual couples have married.

Belgium, 2003

Belgium became the second country to grant marriage equality in 2003 through a law passed by its parliament.

Spain, 2005

In July 2005, Spain became the third country to legalise same-sex marriage.

Canada, 2005

On July 20, 2005, Canada became the first country outside Europe and the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

South Africa, 2006

The Civil Union Act came into force on November 30, 2006 and since then same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa.

New Zealand, 2013

Same-sex marriage has been legal in New Zealand since August 19, 2013 after the Marriage Amendment Act came into effect.

England and Wales, 2014

UK Parliament in 2013 passed the Marriage Act which introduced civil marriage for same-sex couples in England and Wales.

United States, 2015

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down bans on same-sex marriage in all 50 states and legalised it.

Germany, 2017

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since October 1, 2017. It was signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Chile, Mexico, Switzerland in 2022

In 2022, Chile, Mexico, and Switzerland legalised same-sex marriage in a major victory for the LGBTQIA+ community.