Same-sex marriage around the world

Same-sex marriage remains a contentious political issue in Australia, but for 23 countries around the world it’s already a right – and in several countries for more than a decade.

Supporters attend a marriage equality rally in Sydney Source: AAP

In most cases marriage equality has been legislated by parliaments, but in several cases constitutional courts have forced the government's hand.

Ireland remains the only country to have put the issue to a popular vote.

More than 760 million people now live in countries where same sex marriage is legal.