The 10 Most LGBT Friendly Countries in Europe in 2025
Debate has occurred throughout Europe over proposals to legalise same-sex marriage as well as same-sex civil unions. Currently 33 of the 50 countries and the 8 dependent territories in Europe recognise some type of same-sex union, among them most members of the European Union (24/27). Last Updated on August 25, by Maryam Siddiqui. Living in Europe comes with benefits aplenty, but one of the most important ones remains safety — especially for the LGBTQ community. 
HRC
The same is true in many Asian countries and a few eastern European nations. Russia is an example of a nation that does not necessarily criminalize same-sex couples, but the government places serious restrictions on people who are gay, which is still a way of censoring relationships that are not heterosexual. 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
Note: For the latest data on same-sex marriages, read our June fact sheet. More than 18 years after the Netherlands became the world’s first country to legalize same-sex marriage, Northern Ireland has become the latest European jurisdiction to allow gays and lesbians to marry. Although. International Practice. Donate Now. 
The 12 Most LGBTQ
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). Note: For the latest data on same-sex marriages, read our June fact sheet. Although Northern Island is a constituent of the United Kingdom, with its own parliament at Stormont, the change in its marriage laws ultimately came about due to action by the UK Parliament in London.
Recognition of same
Same-sex unions are legal in 39 countries and territories The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in , and Thailand and Liechtenstein were the latest to. Europe is. We love getting inspiration for our next trip from books and movies, but when a country makes the gay press in a positive way! Malta is a classic example. 
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Countries that Legalized Marriage Equality in Greece: On February 15, Greece's Parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the first Christian Orthodox majority country to do so. .
Europe – Marriage Equality
Portugal (): Portugal joined the list of European nations legalizing same-sex marriage in , ensuring equal rights for gay and lesbian couples. Iceland (): Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in , solidifying its commitment to equal rights for all couples. . Where Europe stands on gay marriage and civil unions
Progressive European countries with thriving LGBTQ+ communities are ones that have legalized gay marriage, gender change, and adoption for same-sex couples. Other policies include officially-organized pride parades and LGBTQ+ villages. .