Marriage equality — the legal recognition of marriage between two people regardless of their sex or gender — is one of the most visible milestones of LGBTQ+ rights. What once seemed like an impossible dream has become reality in dozens of countries around the world, with more joining the list each year.
The Pioneers
The Netherlands made history on April 1, 2001, when it became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. At midnight, four couples were married by the mayor of Amsterdam in a ceremony that was broadcast around the world. Belgium followed in 2003, then Spain and Canada in 2005.
These early milestones proved that marriage equality was not only possible but that it could be implemented without the dire social consequences that opponents had predicted. Public support grew steadily in the years that followed.
The Global Wave
The 2010s saw a rapid expansion of marriage equality worldwide. South Africa had already become the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2006. Key milestones in the decade included:
- 2010: Argentina — the first country in Latin America
- 2012: Denmark (including Greenland)
- 2013: Brazil, France, New Zealand, Uruguay
- 2014: United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland)
- 2015: United States (Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges), Ireland (by popular referendum — a world first)
- 2017: Germany, Malta, Australia
- 2019: Taiwan — the first country in Asia, Ecuador
- 2022: Chile, Cuba, Slovenia, Mexico (nationwide)
- 2023: Andorra, Estonia — the first former Soviet state
- 2024: Greece, Thailand — the second country in Asia
Current Status
As of 2026, over 35 countries have legalised same-sex marriage. Many more recognise civil partnerships or registered partnerships that provide some or most of the rights of marriage. The trend is clearly moving towards greater recognition, with campaigns active in Japan, Italy, the Czech Republic and several Latin American countries.
Where Challenges Remain
Despite enormous progress, same-sex relationships remain criminalised in over 60 countries worldwide, concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caribbean. In some nations, homosexuality carries the death penalty. Even in countries with legal protections, social acceptance can lag behind legislation, and LGBTQ+ couples may still face discrimination in housing, healthcare and adoption.
Marriage equality is an important legal milestone, but it is not the end of the road. Full equality means protection from discrimination in all areas of life, access to healthcare, recognition of transgender identities and safety from violence and persecution.