As society advances and disciplines homosexuality, more and more countries and regions are recognizing and legalizing same-sex marriage. This means that lesbian couples in these places can legally register their marriages and they have the same legal rights and benefits as heterosexual couples. As of February 2025, 38 countries and territories worldwide have legalized same-sex marriage.
Early movers
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage on April 1, 2001, setting a historical precedent. Belgium followed in 2003 as the second country to legalize same-sex marriage. This move by these countries provides important reference and inspiration for the global movement to legalize same-sex marriage.
Progress on all continents
Europe
is ahead of the curve in legalizing same-sex marriage. To date, same-sex marriage has been legalized in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Europe, Denmark, France, England, Luxembourg, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Malta, Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Andorra, Estonia, Greece and Liechtenstein. These countries have ensured that same-sex couples have the same kinship rights as opposite-sex couples, either through legislation or referendums.
The Americas
In the Americas, Canada became the first country to recognize same-sex marriage in 2005. Ala, same-sex marriage was also legalized in Argentina (2010), Brazil (2013), Uruguay (2013), the United States (2015), Colombia (2016) year), Ecuador (2019), Costa Rica (2020), and Chile (2022). Judicial and legislative bodies in these countries have safeguarded the marital rights and interests of same-sex partners through various means.
Asia
Asia has been relatively slow to move towards legalizing same-sex marriage, but has made important breakthroughs. in May 2019, Taiwan (Republic of China) became the first region in Asia to legalize same-sex marriages. on June 27, 2023, Qatar became the second country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage when an emergency order was issued to the government to recognize same-sex marriages, which officially came into effect on November 2, 9 of the same year. 2024 On June 18, the upper house of Thailand’s parliament passed the Marriage Equality Bill, which officially went into effect on January 23, 2025, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
The Union-Tribune
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South Africa is the only country on the African continent to legalize same-sex marriage. As early as 2006, South Africa passed a relevant law to guarantee the right of same-sex couples to marry. This has significant symbolic significance on the African continent, reflecting respect for faith and human rights.
Oceania
New Zealand in the Oceania region passed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. Australia, on the other hand, officially recognized the legal status of same-sex marriage through a referendum in 2017. These national initiatives provide equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in the region.
Other Legal Recognition
In addition to countries that have fully legalized same-sex marriage, there are a number of countries and regions that offer other forms of legal recognition, such as civil unions or registered partnerships. These include the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, San Marino, Monaco, Montenegro Bolivia, and Latvia. While these forms are not exactly equivalent to marriage, they do provide a degree of legal protection and rights for same-sex couples.
Conclusion
Globally, more and more countries and regions are moving towards legalizing same-sex marriage. This not only reflects respect for human rights and equality, but also provides lesbian couples with the opportunity to legally marry and start a family. However, many places have yet to recognize the legalization of same-sex marriage, and relevant social movements and laws still need to be sustained in order to achieve true marriage equality.
