More and more countries are implementing equality legislation to ensure same-sex couples can get married. Whilst it’s been a long time coming, there is still a long way to go but here we’ll explore a timeline of when gay marriage was legalized in various countries around the world.
Canada
Gay marriage was legalized in Canada on July 20, 2005. Canada is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world, with strong legal protections and widespread acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Argentina
In 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage, with same-sex couples being granted all the same rights and benefits as opposite-sex couples.
Belgium
Belgium legalized gay marriage in 2003, becoming the second country in the world to do so. The country has a strong record of protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
Brazil
Brazil legalized gay marriage in 2013, with the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples have the right to marry and that states cannot refuse to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Denmark
Denmark legalized gay marriage in 2012, making it the first country in the world to recognize same-sex unions back in 1989.
Finland
In 2017, Finland became the last Nordic country to legalize gay marriage, with lawmakers approving a bill granting same-sex couples full marriage rights.
France
Gay marriage was legalized in France in 2013, with the country becoming the 14th in the world to do so.
Germany
Germany legalized gay marriage in 2017, with Chancellor Angela Merkel allowing lawmakers to hold a free vote on the issue, leading to a landslide victory for the pro-gay marriage side.
Iceland
Iceland legalized gay marriage in 2010, becoming the ninth country in the world to do so.
Ireland
In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage by popular vote, with over 60% of voters supporting the move.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg legalized gay marriage in 2014, with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel becoming the first openly gay world leader to be elected in modern times.
Malta
In 2017, Malta legalized gay marriage, becoming the first country in the European Union to do so.
Netherlands
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage, in 2001, with the government recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry and adopt children.
New Zealand
New Zealand legalized gay marriage in 2013, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.
Norway
Norway legalized gay marriage in 2009, with same-sex couples being granted full adoption rights and other benefits.
Portugal
Gay marriage was legalized in Portugal in 2010, with same-sex couples being granted all the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples.
South Africa
South Africa was the first country in Africa to legalize gay marriage in 2006, with the Constitutional Court ruling that it was discriminatory to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
Spain
Spain legalized gay marriage in 2005, becoming the third country in the world to do so, with same-sex couples having the same rights as opposite-sex couples in all aspects of the law.
Sweden
Sweden legalized gay marriage in 2009, with same-sex couples being granted full adoption rights and other benefits.
United States
Gay marriage was legalized in the United States in 2015, following a historic Supreme Court ruling that declared same-sex marriage to be a constitutional right. This decision marked a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community and recognized the importance of equal rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
Overall, the legalization of gay marriage has been a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights around the world. While many countries still have a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ+ equality, the progress made in recent years shows that change is possible. As more countries continue to legalize gay marriage and adopt more inclusive policies, we can look forward to a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they love.
