Which Country First Legalized Same-Sex Marriage and When?

The honor of being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage goes to the Netherlands. In a landmark move, on April 1, 2001, the Netherlands made history by becoming the first nation in the world to grant same-sex couples the right to marry (via Pew Research Center).

This groundbreaking decision didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of advocacy, activism, and a shift in societal attitudes toward seeing LGBT weddings as something not only acceptable but also legitimate. The Dutch approach to marriage equality set a precedent for the rest of the world, inspiring a wave of change across various continents.

Since then, numerous countries have followed suit, recognizing the importance of equality and the right for all individuals to celebrate their love through marriage, regardless of gender.

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Which Country Has More Recently Legalized Same-Sex Marriage?

The global movement for marriage equality continues as more countries are embracing the rights of same-sex couples. The most recent addition to this growing list is Nepal, where same-sex marriage was recognized on November 29, 2023, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia (via Pink News).

According to Time Magazine, Estonia is set to join the ranks of countries legalizing same-sex marriage with the law scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2024.

In How Many Countries Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal?

With the addition of Estonia in 2024, a total of 36 countries legalized same-sex marriage across the world (via EqualDex). Europe leads the way with 20 countries—the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium among the early adopters—setting a precedent for others to follow. Across the Atlantic, the Americas have seen 11 countries legalize same-sex marriage.

In Asia and Oceania, things are moving forward too. Now, there are four countries where same-sex marriage is a yes! Australia and New Zealand in Oceania have been joined by Taiwan, an Asian leader for LGBTQ+ rights, and most recently by Nepal, marking a significant step for the region.

Africa, more conservative on this front, still has South Africa as the sole nation on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage. South Africa was also the first country in the world to safeguard sexual orientation as a human right in its Constitution—it happened in 1996, following the end of the apartheid.

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