New publications
The list of countries where same-sex marriages are allowed has been published
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
It's been just over a decade since the world's first country legalized same-sex marriage, and since then only nine countries have allowed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to marry legally.
Despite US President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage, only six states allow such unions. Other countries, such as Denmark, the UK and Brazil, have made some concessions on the sensitive issue and have given legal effect to same-sex civil unions or registered partnerships.
It should be noted that according to a recent study by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA), Ukraine, along with Russia and Belarus, was included in the list of countries with the worst attitude towards people with non-traditional orientation. Can you guess which countries have fully legalized same-sex marriage? We provide the full list below.
- Netherlands
The Netherlands became the first country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage back in 2001.
- Belgium
Belgium legalized marriage for LGBT people in 2003.
- Spain
Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005.
- Canada
Canada followed Spain and legalized such marriages in 2005.
- South Africa
South Africa legalized marriage for gays and lesbians in 2006.
- Norway
Norway joined the list of countries that allow same-sex marriage in 2009. Pictured is Finance Minister and chairwoman of the Norwegian Socialist Party Kristin Halvorsen, who helped push through the law that gave equal rights to both heterosexual and homosexual marriages.
- Sweden
Sweden recognized same-sex marriage in 2009.
- Portugal
Portugal also legalized same-sex marriage in 2009.
- Iceland
In Iceland, such unions were legalized in 2010.
- Argentina
The only Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage is Argentina, which has been in effect since 2010.
[