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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. 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. Same
Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage or same-gender marriage, is the marriage of two people of the same legal sex or gender. As of , marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized in 38 countries, with a total population of billion people (20% of the world's population). 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. 
Countries Where Gay Marriage Is Legal 2025
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.
Gay Marriage Around the World
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. Destination Wedding Photographer — Asier Altuna. While your marriage will be valid under French law, it may carry no legal weight back home, meaning you might not benefit from marital rights in your own country. 
Same
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. This marks an important milestone in the ongoing fight for equality, but while progress continues, the journey toward full global acceptance is far from complete. Subscribe to our Newsletter today.
All Countries That Have Legalized & Banned 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. . Gay Marriage Countries
Since the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in , more than 30 countries around the world have followed suit. . 
Where Same
As of , same-sex marriage is legally recognized in 38 countries—less than 20% of the world for those who like math. .