Every country where same-sex marriage is legal

Thailand's lower house passes same-sex marriage bill

Stars Insider

27/03/24 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Lgbtq

Of the planet’s 195 countries, only 36 have legalized same-sex marriage. By contrast, same-sex sexual activity is illegal in over 60 countries across the globe.

The world has undoubtedly come a long way since the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000. Canada became the first North American country to do so (in 2005); South Africa the first, and still only, in Africa (2006); Norway was the first Scandinavian country (2009); Argentina the first in Latin America (2010); New Zealand the first Asia-Pacific country (2013); and in May 2019, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. Add to this more than 20 other examples, all with their own intricacies, from court rulings to parliamentary votes.

Thailand is well on its way to becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality law. On March 27, the Thai House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, with a majority of 400 votes in favor and only10 against. While this is a major step, the bill still needs to be passed by the Senate and approved by King Rama X. This means it could be several months before marriage equality becomes a reality in Thailand. The country is aiming to solidify its reputation as the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in the region and is campaigning to host WorldPride 2028. 

For a rainbow-paved tour of the world, click through the following gallery and discover all the countries where same-sex marriage is legal.

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