The First Countries to Legalize Gay Marriage
It begins with the history of same-sex unions during ancient times, which consisted of unions ranging from informal and temporary relationships to highly ritualized unions, and continues to modern-day state-recognized same-sex marriage. Events concerning same-sex marriages becoming legal in a country or in a country's state are listed in bold. 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.
Where Same
Of these eighty-eight countries, the number of countries that have legalized gay marriage is a total of twenty-four nations. In , the Netherlands became the very first country to ever legalize gay marriage. The legalization of same-sex marriages began with a few countries, particularly in Europe. Denmark was the first country to allow same-sex partnerships, followed by Norway, Sweden, Iceland and the Netherlands. Gay Marriage Around the World
Since the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in , more than 30 countries around the world have followed suit. To some, same-sex marriage is considered immoral, while to others it is viewed as a basic, or even God-given, right. Regardless of one's stance, it cannot be argued that, for the same-sex couples living in the countries listed below, they must have considered their respective nations' passing through of legislation allowing them to be married, and those marriages to be fully recognized to be nothing short of a personal and national victory. Before US, gay marriage accepted in parts of world
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). Articles about the production of food and other goods, including farming and fishing. Articles about crime rates, law enforcement, and public safety. 
Here are 38 countries that have legalized marriage equality
Same-Sex Marriage Around the World 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. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If you were born in or earlier, you're older than marriage equality in every country.
All Countries That Have Legalized & Banned Same
DUTCH PIONEERS: The Netherlands in became the world's first country to legalize gay marriage. The unions are broadly accepted, but still sometimes raise eyebrows, says wedding planner Margot Nieuwold, whose business Magnificent Weddings caters to both heterosexual and homosexual. . Attorney for Same
To date, only 38 nations allow same-sex couples to marry, and none of them did before From the first in to the latest in , here are all the countries that have marriage equality, in. . 
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. .