Gay Marriage Around the World
Not every country in the world is involved in the conversation surrounding gay marriage, but a large percentage of the world’s nations have either legalized same-sex marriage, permitted gay marriage in certain parts of the country, allows civil unions between individuals of the same sex, or actively restricts gay marriage. Articles about the production of food and other goods, including farming and fishing. Articles about crime rates, law enforcement, and public safety. All Countries That Have Legalized & Banned Same
Rights affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people vary greatly by country or jurisdiction—encompassing everything from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage to the death penalty for homosexuality. Laws concerning gender identity-expression by country or territory Legal identity change, surgery not required. The Human Rights Campaign tracks developments in the legal recognition of same-sex marriage around the world. Working through a worldwide network of HRC global alumni and partners, we lift up the voices of community, national and regional advocates and share tools, resources, and lessons learned to empower movements for marriage equality. Countries Where Gay Marriage Is Legal 2025
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, joining a list of nearly 40 countries and territories globally. Since the first same-sex marriages were legally recognized in the Netherlands in , nearly 40 other jurisdictions — mostly in Europe and the Americas — have enacted laws allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. This year, Thailand and Liechtenstein join the list. 
HRC
The map above shows which countries have fully legalized same sex-marriage as of 1 October , but does not show those that have alternative arrangements such as civil unions and/or domestic partnerships. Same sex marriage is legal in 38 countries which have a combined population of billion people (around 20% of the world’s population). Same-sex marriage laws vary widely across the globe, reflecting diverse cultural, religious, and political landscapes. As of recent years, over 30 countries have legalized same-sex marriage, including Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Argentina, and the United States, among others.
Countries by legal status of same
14 countries criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people, using so-called ‘cross-dressing’, ‘impersonation’ and ‘disguise’ laws. In many more countries transgender people are targeted by a range of laws that criminalise same-sex activity and vagrancy, hooliganism and public order offences. Almost half of them are Commonwealth jurisdictions. Even in jurisdictions that do not explicitly criminalise women, lesbians and bisexual women have been subjected to arrest or threat of arrest.
Map of Jurisdictions that Criminalise LGBT People
Sort through nearly 40 jurisdictions that have enacted laws allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. . 
Map
These countries not only permit same-sex marriage but also provide robust legal protections against discrimination, fostering more inclusive societies. Notably, Ireland stands out for legalizing same-sex marriage via a popular referendum in , demonstrating widespread public support for equality. .
Global Equality
Countries Where Homosexuality Is Legal Homosexuality is legal in over countries worldwide, with varying degrees of recognition and rights. These nations have either decriminalized same-sex relationships or have never criminalized them. Here’s a breakdown by region: North America Canada: Homosexuality has been legal since , with same-sex marriage legalized in United States: The. .