Updated May 2018
Ever since same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands in 2001 (props to the Netherlands for always being at the front of progressive change), the legalization of same-sex marriage has snowballed throughout the world.
28 countries (26 with another two pending) now legally recognize the right for same sex couples to marry, so if you’re part of the LGBTQI community, and want to travel, live overseas, or plan a destination wedding, these countries will recognize your right.
More than 760 million people now live in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, and I encourage all travelers to support those countries at the forefront of equality and recognition of human rights.
Dear LGBTQI Travelers: This is Where Same-Sex Marriage is Legal in the World
At a Glance
As of May 2018 Same-sex marriage is legal in these 26 countries:
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), United States, Uruguay.
The Netherlands (2001)
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. The Dutch Parliament passed legislation by a three-to-one margin which allows same-sex couples to legally marry, divorce and adopt children.
The civil marriage statute now reads, “A marriage can be contracted by two people of different or the same sex.” While conservative religious groups continue to oppose the law, same-sex marriage is widely accepted by the Dutch public.
Belgium (2003)
Belgium’s parliament voted to allow same-sex marriage in 2003, with very little controversy. Same-sex couples have been able to adopt children since 2006.
Same-sex couples have had limited rights in Belgium since 1998 (you could register your relationship and formally assume joint responsibility for a household), though the 2003 legislation reflected equal terms for tax and inheritance rights.
Belgium recognizes marriages from other countries where same-sex marriage is legal. You can marry here so long as one person in the relationship has lived in Belgium for at least three months.
Spain (2005)
For one of the most divided countries on the issue, Spain’s parliament narrowly passed some of the world’s most liberal marriage equality laws.
While strongly criticized and publicly opposed by large crowds and Catholic officials, their marriage statute now reads, “Marriage will have the same requirements and results when the two people entering into the contract are of the same sex or of different sexes.”
After the law passed two municipal court judges refused marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The high court ruled that these judges had no standing to do so.
Canada (2005)
What started as a series of court cases beginning in 2003, Canada became the first country outside of Europe to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005.
A year later the ruling Conservative Party attempted to repeal the legislation, but were defeated and the law remained unchanged.
South Africa (2006)
South Africa is the only country in Africa to have legalized same-sex marriage. Legislation passed in 2006, a year after the High Court found that restricting marriage to heterosexuals was discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The legislation passed through Parliament with overwhelming support, though does allow for marriage celebrants to refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies, which has been criticized as violating the constitutional right to marriage for all.
“The traditional monarch of the Zulu people, who account for about one-fifth of the country’s population, maintains that homosexuality is morally wrong.”
Norway (2009)
Norway has had a law in place permitting civil unions since 1993, however this was replaced with full marriage and adoption rights in 2009.
Parliament was split over the issue, with resistance from members of the Christian Democratic Party and the Progress Party, as well as a public controversy over state funding for fertility treatments for lesbian couples (the law also allows gay couples to undergo artificial insemination).
After initially protesting this change, the Norwegian Lutheran Church has changed their stance and has been sanctioning same sex marriages since early 2017.
Sweden (2009)
Sweden’s parliament passed same-sex marriage in 2009 with an overwhelming majority. Gay and lesbian couples had been able to register for a civil union since 1995.
The Church of Sweden allows clergy to officiate ceremonies, despite the law not requiring them to (roughly three quarters of Sweden belongs to the Lutheran Church of Sweden).
Mexico (2009). Same-sex marriage in Mexico is legislated on a State by State basis. While not a nation wide right, in 2015 the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples could seek a court injunction against state laws which ban gay marriage.
Same-sex marriage is legal in the Mexican States of Mexico City, Quintana Roo, Coahuila and Chihuahua. Marriages performed in Mexico City are legally valid nation wide and must be accepted throughout the country.
Portugal (2010)
Portugal legalised same-sex marriage in 2010 through a parliamentary vote, though shortly after, President Anibal Cavaco Silva issued a presidential veto, asking the Constitutional Court to review the vote.
The Court declared the law to be constitutionally valid, and the president signed it. Same-sex couples in Portugal do not yet have the right to adopt children.
Iceland (2010)
Public opinion in Iceland had supported same-sex marriage long before it was legalized in 2010, and as such, it was passed in parliament with unanimous support.
One of the first people to marry under the new law was the country’s Prime Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, who married her partner, Jónína Leósdóttir. Couples were already able to adopt, and had been able to register as domestic partners since 1996.
Argentina (2010)
Argentina’s legislation for same-sex marriage only narrowly passed, though in 2010, they became the first country in Latin and South America allow it.
Under the law, same-sex couples have the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples do, including the right to adopt children.
The law sparked huge controversy among Catholic and Protestant groups in the country, and there was vigorous opposition against it. Prior to the national law, a number of local jurisdictions had already been offering civil unions.
Denmark (2012)
While Denmark passed same-sex marriage legislation in 2012, couples already had the right to register as partners and adopt children. In fact, they were the first country to allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners in 1989.
After the bill was passed, Queen Margrethe II gave her royal assent. Under this law, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark must allow same-sex couples to marry in churches, however individual clergy may decline to officiate the ceremony if they wish.
While the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the State Church of Denmark, other religious groups are allowed to determine for themselves whether or not to allow same-sex weddings in their churches.
France (2013)
France’s move to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption in 2013, saw hundreds of thousands of protesters and counter-protesters take to the streets. It was immediately challenged it in court, however the Constitutional Council ruled that the bill was constitutional.
While opinion polls show that a majority of France supports the law, the opposition was intense, and since 2013, many anti-gay marriage protests have taken place.
Brazil (2013)
Brazil was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage not through legislation, but with a court ruling. Brazil’s National Council of Justice ruled that same-sex couples should not be denied marriage licenses, allowing same-sex marriages to begin nationwide.
Prior to this ruling, around half of Brazil’s local jurisdictions had already allowed same-sex marriage, and Same-sex unions had been legally recognized since 2004.
Uruguay (2013)
Uruguay was the second country in Latin America to pass same-sex marriage legislation, a decision which was made with overwhelming support (Uruguay is among the most secular countries in Latin America).
Civil unions have been permitted in Uruguay since 2008, and couples were given the right to adopt in 2009. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to have a national civil union law.
New Zealand (2013)
New Zealand was the first country in the Asia Pacific to legalise same-sex marriage (civil unions have been available since 2005). Their parliament comfortably passed the law (77-44) in 2013 which also allows gay couples to adopt.
This law is only in regard to New Zealand proper – three other territories making up the Realm of New Zealand—the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau—do not perform or recognise same-sex marriage.
England and Wales (2014)
In 2013 British parliament passed a law which would legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales the following year, and in 2014 the Scottish parliament passed a similar bill.
Northern Ireland had the opportunity to pass same-sex marriage legislation, however it was voted down and remains illegal. (Scotland and Northern Ireland are semi-autonomous and have separate legislative bodies to decide many domestic issues, including the definition of marriage.)
Queen Elizabeth II gave her “royal assent”, though the Church of England remains opposed to same-sex marriage, and are allowed to prohibit same-sex marriage weddings within the Church. That said, there is currently internal debate over the issue.
Ireland (2015)
In 2015 Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote via a referendum.
Despite being a Catholic country, 62% of Irish voters voted yes, to amend the Constitution of Ireland to say that “marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”
“While some Catholic Church leaders opposed the change, Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin wrote a commentary in The Irish Times newspaper saying that he would not tell people how to vote and that he had “no wish to stuff my religious views down other people’s throats.”
Luxemburg (2015)
Luxembourg’s parliament overwhelmingly supported same-sex marriage and adoption legislation in 2014, which was enacted on January 1, 2015. This was the first major re-write to the country’s marriage legislation since 1804.
The yes campaign was championed by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who married his partner four months after the law came into effect.
The United States (2015)
In a divided ruling of the Supreme Court, the United States passed same-sex marriage legislation in 2015, and it was instantly legalized across all 50 states.
Prior to the court ruling, 36 states had already legislated the issue themselves, with Massachusetts having recognized same-sex marriage for 11 years.
For those in Austin, Texas, we recommend Zachary Hunt Photorgaphy; many of his photographs appear here (full photo credits at the end of post).
Colombia (2016)
A Catholic majority country, Colombia’s top court voted to legalize same-sex marriage in 2016. The 6-3 vote ruled that the country’s constitution guaranteed the right to same sex marriage for LGBT+ citizens.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, conducted between November 28, 2013 and March 4, 2014, 28% of Colombians supported same-sex marriage, and 64% were opposed.
Greenland (2016) & the Faroe Islands (2017)
Two autonomous territories of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe islands are self governing nations and have bodies which legislate their own laws. This means that they were not subject to Denmark’s legislation for same-sex marriage which passed in 2012.
That said, Greenland’s parliament unanimously voted to adopt the marriage and adoption legislation, and the Danish law came into effect for 56,000 Greenlanders in 2016. It has been legal in the Faroe Islands since 1 July 2017.
Finland (2017)
With the enactment of same-sex marriage legislation in Finland in 2017, all 5 Nordic countries now recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry (the Nordic countries are Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden).
The Finnish parliament passed same-sex marriage legislation in late 2014, though a citizens’ petition was lodged to repeal the law, and was only defeated in 2017. The bill for marriage equality itself started out as a citizens’ initiative – a public petition with a reported 167,000 signatures.
Slovenia (2017)
In Slovenia, civil partnerships have been recognised since 2006, however same-sex marriage has only recently become legal in February 2017.
Although the law will give couples largely the same rights as heterosexual ones, it still bans them from jointly adopting children. Couples can adopt children from a partner’s previous relationship but not unrelated children.
Malta (2017)
Despite being a deeply Catholic nation, Malta’s parliament almost unanimously voted to legalize same-sex marriage in July 2017, and it became legal on September 1.
This came three years after passing a law permitting civil partnerships; only one politician out of 67 in the Maltese parliament voted against the legislation, signalling its broad support on the island nation.
Australia (2018)
Legislation passed parliament for same sex marriage in Australia on December 7 2017, around a month after a majority of Australians (62%) voted in favour of legalising it in a voluntary postal survey.
The first same sex marriages were held in Australia in January 2018 after the legislation became law.
Germany (Pending)
In a snap vote by MP’s, same-sex marriage and adoption was legalised in Germany on June 30 2017, and will become law later in the year.
This makes Germany the 15th European country to enact legislation allowing same-sex couples to wed. It was a 393-226 vote after “Chancellor Angela Merkel surprised many by saying that members of her ruling Christian Democratic Union should be able to vote their conscience despite the party being formally opposed to same-sex marriage.”
Taiwan (Pending)
In May 2017 Taiwan’s top court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, and issued an ultimatum to the parliament: legislate same-sex marriage within two years or it will become legal regardless.
This landmark ruling will mean the country is first in Asia to allow gay couples to marry, and “cements its reputation as beacon of liberalism”. Even before the ruling, President Tsai Ing-wen promised to legislate for same-sex marriage.
Related: In 2012 I completed my Honors Thesis for the University of Canberra College of Law on “The Implications of Gender Reassignment Surgery on Marriage in Australia”.
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Please note that we will remove any comments (regardless of your stance) which are hateful, degrading, use foul language, or aim to shame another person for their beliefs, lifestyle, or point of view.
Photo credits: Featured header image by Ted Eytan. Gay wedding by Tom Pumford for Smart Photo Courses via Flickr. Mrs & Mrs Cake by Zachary Hunt of Zachary Hunt Photography. Blue rings by kmadrone. Lindsey and Shaun’s Wedding by Zachary Hunt. Brides in blue by kmadrone. Dr. Bob Wallace and JoJo Brian Reibel by CityofStPete. Tuzedo with pink rose by Zachary Hunt. Phillip and Justin’s Wedding by Zachary Hunt. Two brides (featured in Pinterest image) by masterdesigner.
40 Comments
For me, I believe 2 people should be able to get married if that’s what they want. I know this is a hot potato in Australia at present with the postal vote. In the end, for me, it comes down to the fact, what it really got to do with anyone except the 2 people involved.
Hi Mark, thanks for your comment, yes, I whole-heartedly agree. In the end, it’s the decision of two consenting adults, who want to be able to honor their love and commitment for each other in the same way as other adults.
Thankyou for our yes vote :)
I was born in Mexico and grew up in the U.S., so I’m familiar with both cultures. I was actually quite surprised when Mexico allowed gay marriage before the U.S considering it’s more well developed. For some reason I also thought Australia and more countries in Europe would already have it legalized too. I’m sure there will be lots of change within the coming years.
Hi Edith, thanks for sharing your background. Yes, it’s interesting to look at the countries who have taken this step, and those who have still to legalize it.
I would have thought Australia and many European countries would have legalized same-sex marriage too, as my genuine belief is that it’s overly accepted. However that said, the debate in Australia at the moment is a pretty heated one, so I’m hoping that we are in fact as open and accepting as I had thought.
I am really happy to see that so many places are adopting the same sex marriage. It is a shame that it is only 27 countries so far though, it should be way more. Well done to Taiwan (pending of course) – I was looking out to see which Asian countries might be on the list
Absolutely Natasha – almost two countries per year since 2009, so the ball is well and truly rolling, and I can only hope that the rest of the world picks up on the trend.
Yes, Asia may take a little while on this one, but it’s good to see countries like Taiwan paving the way.
Love is love! When I see the love in the eyes of my same sex friends.. it’s what really matters!
They are wonderful people and I wish more people and countries could embrace them!
Some of my best friends are my same sex couples.
Amen to that! Absolutely – it saddens me to no end that our society would try and tell two people that their love isn’t the same because they’re of the same sex. It is just as pure, and in the end, I truly believe that love will win.
Love is love. Australia is showing itself to be very behind the times on this issue, and I truly hope the population come to the party and allow people in the LGBTQ community to marry. I think that in a world where there is so much hate and fear, why stop two people who love each other from marrying and committing to each other? We need more love not hate!
Amen to that! Yes, Australia has disappointed me, as I believed that we were a society who were very accepting, very tolerant, and had a very strong mindset of promoting inclusion and equality.
I do hope that this is a quick and painless plebiscite, that the right decision can be made, and that the country can come together again. Hopefully 6 months down the track the no side will wonder what all the fuss was about.
Agree that we need more love, not hate!
I’m really encouraged when I read this article. It’s such a good thing that more and more people are giving LGBT the equality that they deserve. I wonder if Singapore will give this issue a different take in the future. I really hope that all people are respected for their choice of love.
I’m so glad to hear that Chloe! I’m also interested to see which countries in Asia will follow Taiwan’s lead. From my (short) time in Singapore I got the impression that it was a very diverse and open minded place, but I really don’t have a deep insight into cultural mindsets and how deep issues like this might run.
Will be interesting to see – hopefully it happens sooner rather than later.
An interesting read, Meg. I was surprised at the order in which the countries accepted equal rights. Canada and South Africa, for instance…way back in 2005 and 2006! And New Zealand before Australia!
Thanks Christina – It’s definitely interesting to follow the countries who lead this charge – there are some seriously Catholic countries on this list who I never would have thought would beat Australia to it! Goes to show that if devoutly religious nations can realize this is the right thing to do, and churches in places like Norway and Denmark are able to come out and change their view, why, in 2017, is it still such a hot issue.
Brilliant post Meg – we’re all watching hoping it’s one big fat YES in Auz!
Thanks Stefan! Us too!!
Thanks for this post – puts a glaring view of how few countries even in 2017, haven’t accepted LGBT equality! As a Canadian in 2005, I remember thinking that other countries wouldn’t be far off with their positions. — clearly, I was wrong. Let’s hope Aus says yes! and other countries around the world get with the times!
Thanks Dorene – don’t worry you’re not alone – I thought Australia would have jumped on this years ago, but I was wrong too. I’m desperately hoping for a quick and painless plebiscite, with as little hatred as possible throughout the current campaigning. It’s getting pretty nasty :(
#voteyes!!
Great article Megan! Our government’s behavior around same sex marriage had been an absolute disgrace. The fact that we’re spending over AUD120 million for a postal vote which could be decided quickly and easily in parliament is ridiculous. Why two people’s marriage vows are anyone’s business but their own is beyond me. Fingers crossed Australia votes the right way!!!
Thanks guy!! I am right there with you – it’s their job (the politicians) to make this decision for us, and it’s their job to deal with any backlash. I feel as though this postal plebiscite is a cowardly way to wimp out of making a decision which should have been made years ago.
Totally agree with you – who are we to dictate or pass judgement over the validity of the love shared between two adults. Love is love. We need more love, not more hate.
Kudos to you for this list. It makes me proud to be Canadian. It’s sad that this even has to be an issue and sadder that there are not more countries on the list. Hope Australia votes the right way.
Thanks Theresa! Absolutely, you should be very proud to be Canadian! I agree with you that it’s sad that this is even an issue – human rights shouldn’t need to be voted on. Equality is not something to deny.
That’s a very complete list! I thought there would be more countries actually! The next steps for these ones are that all the population accepts it! In France for example, it might be legalized but you can still meet many people against it! However, I can see that younger generations are more and more in favur, so that’s encouraging!
Thanks Dinh-Long! I aimed to make it the most comprehensive and up to date resource :) I agree that it’s sad more countries haven’t yet taken the step to recognizing marriage equality – though with at least two every year since 2009, I’m hoping that the ball is rolling and we’ll see an avalanche of countries soon join.
Australia is the same, where there are many people against it despite being a generally open minded society. Ad yes, the younger generations here seem to be very much in favor of it too, so it’s very encouraging that it’s only a matter of time.
I am happy to see that more and more countries are legalizing same-sex marriage! Love is the same regardless of gender! I’m extremely proud to be a Taiwanese and see my country soon to be the first country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage!
You should be very proud to be from such an open minded country Cat! Very promising to see Asia come to the table, hopefully more countries make moves to follow Taiwan’s lead :)
What an awesome write-up of the state of global LGBT Equality when it comes to marriage. As a gay man, this is very important to me…especially because I am married. As LGBT people, travel can lead to some not so comfortable situations. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks J! Congratulations on your marriage! Love is love, and there’s no reason gender should play a part in denying someone’s right to declare that.
Yes, I can imagine that there are many countries you might visit which aren’t as accepting, hopefully tolerance and equality will become more widespread as more countries take steps to legalize gay marriage.
Thank you for taking the time to write this article, I learned a lot! I didn’t realize how many countries had already legalized same sex marriage, and it’s great to see that more and more are doing so. Hope Australia is next!
Thanks Jen! Glad to hear you appreciate the article :) Yes, at least two countries each year since 2009, I’m hoping for a rolling ball effect – it would be so great to update this post with Australia as the next!
Come on, Australia! I was surprised when Germany made their announcement, too. I’d have thought they’d be further ahead by now. Great post – lovely pictures, too.
Thanks Nell! Glad you enjoyed the post and the photographs :) It would be so amazing to update this post with Australia as the next!!
We were married in Amsterdam in 2002. I’m from the UK she’s Swedish. Happy days.
We moved to Sweden soon after we married. The authorities said, no problem with the marriage, you can’t marry here but we take your relationship seriously and it would be seen as a civil partnership.
In 2014 we were told that our 2002 marriage was not recognised as a marriage in Sweden. Neither was it recognised as a civil partnership.
We promptly married in the local town hall. My wife gave birth to our child a few weeks later.
Married or not I must adopt our child since I am not considered automatically as our child’s parent.
People have fought and in some cases died for our rights. Let’s stop at nothing but true equality.
Congrats on your marriage Gerry, and on your child! Though I’m sorry to hear it’s been such a drama having your status as both a wife and a parent legally recognized in Sweden. I agree that we need to keep pushing for true equality.
Wishing you both all the best.
A Question – I’m from Singapore and my partner is from the US . If we get married in NZ , will that marriage be recognised in the US ?
Hi Felix, if you are legally married in New Zealand, yes, that marriage will be considered valid, and recognized in the US.
Immigration is a whole different ball game if you’re planning on moving to the US, as sadly marriage to a US Citizen doesn’t automatically allow you to live there as a permanent resident, but yes it will be recognized.
Congratulations by the way!
Can I know if I got Australian PR can I marry my girl friend in Australia?but in her country gay or lesbian marriage not legalized.without that country permition can she marry me in here?can she get PR in australia because of me?plz show me a way to take her to me. She is my everything.thanks
Hi Hanish, your girlfriend doesn’t need permission from her country to get married in Australia; they won’t recognize the marriage obviously, so you will only be married in countries which have legalized gay marriage, and recognize international unions, but they can’t stop her from traveling to Australia and having a ceremony.
I’m not sure about whether she can apply for Australian residency if she marries a permanent resident as opposed to a citizen; something worth looking into on the Immigration Department’s website as to whether they allow permanent residents to sponsor migration applications.
Hope that helps :)
Hi Meg! Happy to have read your blog about marriage equality.
We are a same-sex couple in the Philippines and we are planning to get married in Argentina. Since our government does not recognize the same-sex union. Do you think our marriage will be legal if we’ll migrate to Canada, US or NZ. Thank you.
Hi Arsie :) As a general rule, any country who recognizes same sex marriage will recognize international same sex marriage as well. Laws will of course vary from country to country, so it’s important to double check, but typically, if your marriage is legal in Argentina, it should be recognized as legal in other parts of the world that allow for it :)
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Argentina is a fabulous country, such a beautiful place to get married :)
Wishing you both all the best XX