At-a-glance: Same-sex marriage around the world

3 May 2013, 12:00 am   -   Source: SBS staff
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Since 2001, twelve countries have legalised same sex marriage, affording full recognition and rights to couples entering into them. (Getty)

Since 2001, twelve countries have legalised same sex marriage, affording full recognition and rights to couples entering into them. (Getty)

A quick overview of same-sex unions around the world, where they are legal and what  restrictions are placed on them.

RELATED

Various countries and jurisdictions around the world have legally formalised same-sex marriages, while others recognise the unions but do not allow instruments of the state to perform them.

FULL LEGALISATION

Since 2001, fifteen countries have legalised same-sex marriage, affording full recognition and rights to couples entering into them. They are (in chronological order):

Netherlands (April 1, 2001)

Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba)

Belgium (June 1, 2003)

Spain (July 3, 2005)

Canada (July 20, 2005)

South Africa (2006)

Norway (January 1, 2009)

Sweden (May 1, 2009)

Portugal (June 5, 2010)

Iceland (June 27, 2010)

Argentina (July 22, 2010)

Denmark (15 June 2012)

Uruguay (April 2, 2013)

New Zealand (April 17, 2013)

France (April 23, 2013)

PARTIAL  LEGALISATION
In some nations same-sex marriage can be performed only in certain states, but is then nationally recognised.

Brazil (October 2011) Same-sex couples are entitled to civil unions, but can convert the civil union to marriage in several Brazilian states with the approval of a judge and the marriage is then nationally recognised.

Mexico (same-sex marriages can only be performed in Mexico City and the state of Quintana Roo, but must be recognised by all 31 states)

LOCAL RECOGNITION
Several jurisdictions in the United States and elsewhere have also legalised and recognised same-sex marriage. They are:
US:

Massachusetts, USA (May 17, 2004)

Connecticut, USA (November 12, 2008)

Iowa, USA (April 3, 2009)

Vermont, USA (September 1, 2009)

District of Columbia, USA (December 18, 2009)

Coquille Tribe in Oregon, USA but not bound by state constitution (May, 2009)

New Hampshire, USA (January 1, 2010)

New York, USA (July 24, 2011)

Maryland, USA (November 6, 2012)

Washington State, USA (December 6, 2012)

Maine, USA (December 29, 2012)

Rhode Island, USA (May 2, 2013)

RECOGNITION
Six other nations recognise same-sex marriages, but do not perform them. They are:

Aruba (Netherlands)

Curacao (Netherlands)

Israel

Saint Maarten (Netherlands)

California, USA*

New Jersey, USA

Rhode Island, USA

CALIFORNIA
The history of same-sex marriages in California is stormy, and has resulted in a status that is unique among the state's 50 counterparts.

In June 2008, an equal protection ruling by California's Supreme Court okayed marriage licences for gay couples, but on November 5 of the same year, a constitutional amendment known as Proposition 8 was passed, disallowing them.

Marriages formed during the period the licenses were legal and remain fully recognised, while those wedded afterwards retain all rights except to the term 'marriage'.

Two years later, federal judge Vaughn Walker declared Proposition 8 unconstitutional, but stayed his ruling. Supporters and opponents submitted legal briefs to the judge on a long-term stay of his ruling.

On August 16, 2010 The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the motion to stay.

In March 2013 the Supreme Court heard challenges to the Proposition 8 ban, and will make a decision later in the year.

CIVIL UNIONS
The following jurisdictions grant marriage-like rights to people of the same gender who are in civil unions or registered or ‘de facto’ partnerships, but only some of them also allow such unions to be performed by the state.

Andorra

Austria

Colombia

Czech Republic

Ecuador

Finland

France (New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna)

(On April 12, 2013, the French Senate approved a bill legalising same-sex marriage. Both chambers still have to vote on amendments in a second reading, however it’s expected to pass)

Germany

Greenland

Hungary

Ireland

Luxembourg

Slovenia

Switzerland

United Kingdom

PERFORMING CIVIL UNIONS
These jurisdictions allow state officials to perform civil unions:

Australia: ACT, NSW (Sydney), Tasmania, Victoria

Mexico: Coahuila

USA: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Washington,

Wisconsin

Venezuela: Merida

UNREGISTERED COHABITATION

Countries granting rights to same-sex couples living in unregistered de facto relationships:

Australia

Brazil

Croatia

Israel

USA (Maryland, Rhode Island)

LAWS UNDER WAY

British lawmakers voted in favour of legislation allowing gay marriage in England and Wales on February 5, 2013. The bill will be scrutinised by a committee, before passing to the upper chamber the House of Lords.

Same Sex Marriage , Gay Marriage , Gay Rights

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Your Comments

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who gave you the right to decide anyway?

Alarmed - from Sydney, 7 days ago

In 1901 96% of Australia's population identified themselves as "Christian", this number has declined steadily to around 60% today. The relatively recent 'rush of support' for gay marriage etc is in large part a departure from Christianity. We didn't choose when we were born, we can't choose when we will die, and yet we 'empower' ourselves to 'legislate' and let our morals 'evolve' as though we were going to live forever. Hands up if you're glad that you grew up with a normal mum and a dad!

status quo

Kimberly - from Dapto, 16 days ago

The union of same sex couples may be manny things but it isn't and never will be marriage.

?

David - from Brisbane, 20 days ago

When can we get rid of marriage all together?

Divorce is the problem

Richard Mahony - from Cairns, 21 days ago

It is not same sex couples who have brought marriage into disrepute - it is heterosexual couples who fail to honour their commitment to each other, turn their backs and walk away, look for the flimsiest excuses to betray and abandon their loved ones. Traditionally, it was feckless and irresponsible males who abandoned their wives and families and left them to their fate. Increasingly, women have taken advantage of the divorce laws to do the same. Straight or gay, marriage has become a sham.

Mr

Rian - from Melbourne, 21 days ago

Let us be clear that present laws do not stop anyone loving someone else! It already happens! But, marriage means one woman-one man and it's a category mistake to think that 2 women or 2 men can be married. Marriage is an institution which will be further damaged if it is twisted into a novel structure allowing non-coital, non-procreative relationships to be lawfully accepted as marriages. At best, such relationships are friendships with sex-play added.

What is the difference then?

Karl - from Sydney, 22 days ago

Please tell me the difference between the love amongst 2 brothers/friends and the love amongst 2 gay people.

History

Sam - from Waterloo , 26 days ago

Looking back (it's now 20 years in the future) how did we ever consider to discriminate those born the right to love? What right did I have to consider my relationship superior to my equal man/woman? I'm glad we have evolved into a more harmonious, accepting and loving society.

I was unclear

James - from Victoria, 27 days ago

I said "The Marriage Act is a document written by confused old minds and it needs to be burned", but I also should have added that it should, of course, be written anew. And disregard the "not" in the second sentance. Next time i'll proof read!

Mr

Paul - from Perth, 27 days ago

I rest my case....!!!!

Sir

James - from Victoria, 28 days ago

Denying gay marriage implies you are indeed a homophobe and a bigot. Just as not denying blacks or yellows to marry is racist. The Marriage Act is a document written by confused old minds and it needs to be burned. Whilst beside the point, not all gay couples practice "sodomy", and *increadibly* not all homosexuals are male either. Be a bigot as much as you want but keep your hands off the ancient love/marriage-bond between same-sex couples in practice before civilisation was even conceived.

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