Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions & Marriages
30.9% of countries around the world recognise some form of same-sex civil unions, and partnerships / 24.5% of countries recognise same-sex marriages
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities, collectively known as the LGBTQIA+ community, have been around in many forms for thousands of years. With attitudes continually changing towards the community, many countries began passing laws to allow same-sex couples to form unions, partnerships or marriages.
The LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions & Marriages index focuses on every country worldwide. A guide to the countries that legally recognise same-sex unions and marriages by country and status of the types of unions recognised
Planning for your big day? The Gayther wedding and union checklist can be used online or via download and contains a list of all the main tasks and helpful tips
- 30.9% or 72 countries around the world allow same-sex unions or partnerships
- 24.5% or 57 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages
- Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 38.6% or 22 countries, followed by the Americas at 38.6% or 22 countries
- Asia has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages at 1 or 1.8%, followed by Africa at 7% or 4 countries
- 16.6% or 35.4 million LGBTQIA+ individuals are living in countries where they can form civil partnerships or unions
- 16.9% or 35.9 million LGBTQIA+ individuals are living in countries where they can form same-sex marriages
- 30.9% or 72 countries around the world allow same-sex unions or partnerships
- 24.5% or 57 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages
- Comparing the number of countries against the total within a continent
- Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 68.8% or 33 countries, followed by the Americas at 45.3% or 24 countries
- Asia has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or partnerships with 5.9% or 3 countries, followed by Africa with 7% or4 countries
- Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages at 45.8% or 22 countries, followed by the Americas at 41.5% or 21 countries
- Asia has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages at 1 or 2%, followed by Africa at 7% or 4 countries
- Andorra, Cuba and Slovenia passed laws legalising same-sex marriages
- Courts in Latvia allowed same-sex couples form the first civil unions within the country
- The courts within Curaçao, an island part of the Netherlands Antilles, ruled to recognise same-sex marriages legally
- The United States of America (USA) Senate passed an amended version of the Respect for Marriage Act protecting same-sex and interracial marriages
LGBTQIA+ COUNTRY & REGION GUIDES
Click on a specific country within the map to learn what types of same-sex unions and marriages that particular country legal recognises
GREEN – a country that recognises some form of same-sex marriage or civil union
TAKING PRIDE IN YOU
With attitudes changing and more countries becoming more accepting and inclusive, the community has seen nations introducing laws to permit same-sex unions and marriages. Like in traditional heterosexual marriages, same-sex unions or marriages are a declaration of love or wanting to share your life with someone. Legal protection and rights are achieved by having the relationship recognised under the law.
From factors such as inheritance, tax relief to next of kin and end of life matters, same-sex official relationship status provides financial relief and added protection for both parties. People who have been together a long time will accumulate many shared assets and love and care throughout their partners’ lives. When hospitalised or in life-and-death situations, doctors will often restrict visits to family only and ask a legally recognised partner to make difficult decisions. In the absence of a legal partner, they will ask other family members, even if they have been estranged for a long time. Forming a marriage or union is a declaration of love and legal recognition of a couple’s status. Not only that but forming a marriage or union offers long term protection for both partners.
EXCEPTIONAL AND DIVERSE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
What is the difference between civil partnerships and marriages?
Civil partnerships and marriages are almost identical, with a few exceptions. The marriage ceremony is rooted in religion, so when individuals marry, they will typically exchange vows, such as till death do us part. In contrast, a civil partnership is formed by signing a legal contract or a partnership agreement. The second notable difference relates to when a marriage or partnership ends. In most countries, except for countries like the Philippines, the process of dissolving a marriage is established and legal. The divorce requirements are different in each country; however, Civil Partnerships or Unions are ended through dissolution, a process for terminating the contract or agreement. Civil partners cannot describe themselves as married and form their unions at an official government building. One misconception is that civil partnerships are similar to common-law spouses. Civil partnerships and unions have greater rights and recognition under the law than common-law relationships. They have legal recognition, similar to marriage, with the few exceptions previously outlined. Civil partnerships and unions were created as a method or way to allow same-sex couples to form legally recognised relationships. They were able to create legal relationships without using the term marriage and avoid conflicts with religious beliefs relating to the sanctity of marriage. With time and advocates’ direct actions, many countries have changed their laws to allow same-sex couples to form legally binding marriages, partnerships, and unions. Even though many countries now recognise same-sex marriages, some religious groups will not perform marriage ceremonies or sanction same-sex unions
Why is the legal recognition of same-sex marriages so important?
Over the centuries, more countries have created a clear separation between the government and the church. A country can be religious; however, in democratically elected nations, those appointed by the people are meant to represent everyone in society. The representation should include people who may hold different views and beliefs and live different lifestyles to their own. With greater diversity worldwide, people from various religious denominations and more acceptance of those different to ourselves, it is crucial that everyone is treated the same. Equality ensures that everyone has the same rights and protections under the law. So, allowing heterosexual couples to marry but not allowing-same sex individuals the same legal recognition creates inequality and takes away people’s fundamental rights. People’s personal beliefs are different from the law, and no one should have the power or right to take away or suppress the freedoms of another group, especially in modern-democratically elected countries
Are marriages and divorces the same for LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ couples?
YES – the process of marrying and divorcing are identical; the only minor exception is when same-sex couples form a civil partnership or union. The process and laws relating to marriage and divorce will vary by country. However, nations that permit same-sex marriages will follow the same process for straight and same-sex couples alike. Marriage laws relate to various things, including the management of shared assets concerning inheritance, nationality, obtaining citizenship through either spouse, tax relief, and important life matters, such as those relating to end-of-life. Ending the marriage, known as divorce, will also follow the same process as straight couples living within any given country. Divorce typically requires a reason or grounds for divorce, such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion. The requirements vary by country; however, you will need to have been married for more than one year and separated for two years or more
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN WHERE
Please select a country from the drop-down list to discover common phrases relating to marriage and unions
Learn more about the status of Same-Sex Marriages and Civil Unions by country name (in alphabetical order). If you want to learn more about any given country, please click on the flag, or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window
The number of countries around the world, by continent that allow same-sex marriages
AFRICA
(22 out of 53 countries)
THE AMERICAS
ASIA
(22 out of 48 countries)
EUROPE
(8 out of 24 countries)
OCEANIA
When reviewing data, it is crucial to understand what it represents, whether it reflects the world and the experience of all those affected. Changes within any given country or region are not restricted to a specific month of the year or even are automatically triggered. Change, especially concerning equality, gender recognition, same-sex marriages and the status of gay conversion therapy, often takes work. Typically by many large groups of dedicated and focused individuals advocating and fighting for justice for positive change within their local communities.
The indices have been created to help you understand the world around you; however, engaging with your global community is essential. It is vital, especially if you are familiar with your desired destination. By reaching out and communicating with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can establish critical details. It only takes a small amount of effort in locating people from or those who have already visited your particular destination for advice. Engaging on social media and Gayther’s networking platform, Gayther Affinity, can help you connect with the global LGBTQIA+ community.
Last Updated: March 31, 2023
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NOTES
- The index has been compiled and is correct as of Mar 31, 2023
- • The LGBTQIA+ same-sex union and marriage guide has been compiled using a variety of sources, including news articles, publications and various pages on Wikipedia
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The same-sex unions and marriages guide has been compiled based on the laws that exist within each given country. Though individual states, regions and provinces may have different rules and treatments, the assessment is carried out at a national level. If you plan to get married or form a legal union, it is recommended that you carry out independent research for your chosen country as laws and regulations change frequently. The guide and data contained within this page are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute advice. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not provide any guarantees to the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
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