Countries that allow same sex marriages

Same-sex marriage , also known as gay marriage , is the marriage of two people of the same sex or gender , entered into in a civil or religious ceremony. There are records of same-sex marriage dating back to the first century. In the modern era, the first legislation legalizing same-sex marriage took effect in the Netherlands on 1 April Today, it is available in 29 countries. Furthermore, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has issued a ruling that is expected to facilitate recognition in several countries in the Americas.

Same-sex marriage has become legal in a growing number of countries in recent years. Same-sex marriages also became legal this year in Ecuador, Taiwan and Austria. In a number of countries that have recently legalized same-sex marriage, the impetus for legal change came through the courts. Explore our fact sheet to learn more about same-sex laws around the world. Still, a number of Western European nations, including Italy and Switzerland, do not allow same-sex unions. And, so far, no countries in Central and Eastern Europe have legalized gay marriage.

About Follow Donate. A growing number of governments around the world are considering whether to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages. So far, 30 countries and territories have enacted national laws allowing gays and lesbians to marry, mostly in Europe and the Americas.

For many years, same-sex marriage has been a hot topic of endless debate. Supporters of same-sex marriage say that a relationship and subsequent marriage between two people of the same sex is natural and normal. These supporters believe that a person does not choose to be gay and is instead born this way.