Same-sex marriage (also known as gay marriage) is marriage between two people of the

same biological sex and/or gender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the
possibility to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage
equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters.
[1][2][3][4][5]
The legalization of same-sex
marriage is characterized as "redefining marriage" by many opponents.
[6][7][8]

The first laws enabling same-sex marriage in modern times were enacted during the first
decade of the 21st century. As of 28 June 2014, sixteen countries
(Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,
[nb 1]
France, Iceland, Netherlands,
[nb 2]
New
Zealand,
[nb 3]
Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom,
[nb 4]
Uruguay) and
several sub-national jurisdictions (parts of Mexicoand the United States) allow same-sex
couples to marry. The law in Luxembourg will come into force on 1 January 2015. Polls in
various countries show that there is rising support for legally recognizing same-sex marriage
across race, ethnicity, age, religion, political affiliation, and socioeconomic status.
[9]


Marriage open to same-sex couples (ring = individual cases)
1

Recognized when performed in certain other jurisdictions (ring = individual cases)
Government/court announced intention to legalize (ring = individual cases)
Federal recognition of marriages at the state level
Civil unions
Unregistered cohabitation
1

Same-sex unions not legally recognized

(Colors higher in the list override those lower down.)
1
Includes laws that haven't gone into effect.
Introduction of same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction, being variously
accomplished through a legislative change to marriage laws, a court ruling based on
constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote (via a ballot initiative or
areferendum). The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political, social, human
rights and civil rights issue, as well as a religious issue in many nations and around the world,
and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage, or
instead be allowed to hold a different status (a civil union), or be denied such
rights.
[10][11][12]
Same-sex marriage can provide same-sex couples who pay their taxes with
government services and make financial demands on them comparable to those afforded to
and required of opposite-sex married couples. Same-sex marriage also gives them legal
protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights.
[13]

Some analysts state that financial, psychological and physical well-being are enhanced by
marriage, and that children of same-sex couples benefit from being raised by two parents
within a legally recognized union supported by society's institutions.
[14][15][16][17][18]
Court documents
filed by American scientific associations also state that singling out gay men and women as
ineligible for marriage both stigmatizes and invites public discrimination against them.
[19]
The
American Anthropological Association avers that social science research does not support the
view that either civilization or viable social orders depend upon not recognizing same-sex
marriage.
[20]

Same-sex marriages can be performed in a secular civil ceremony or in a religious setting.
Various faith communities around the world support allowing same-sex couples to marry or
conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies; for example: Buddhism in Australia,
[21]
Church of
Sweden,
[22]
Conservative Judaism, U.S. Episcopalians, Humanistic Judaism, Native
American religions with a two-spirit tradition,Druids, the Metropolitan Community
Church, Quakers, Reconstructionist Judaism, Reform Judaism, Unitarian Universalists,
the United Church of Canada, the United Church of Christ, and Wiccans, as well as various
other progressive and modern Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish groups and
various minor religions and other denominations.
[citation needed]

Contents
[hide]
1 Studies
o 1.1 Organizations
o 1.2 Health
o 1.3 Opinion polling
2 History
o 2.1 Ancient
o 2.2 Medieval
o 2.3 Modern
o 2.4 Contemporary
2.4.1 Timeline
2.4.2 International organisations
2.4.2.1 European Court of Human Rights
3 Same-sex marriage around the world
o 3.1 Legal recognition
3.1.1 Argentina
3.1.2 Belgium
3.1.3 Brazil
3.1.4 Canada
3.1.5 Denmark
3.1.6 France
3.1.7 Iceland
3.1.8 Luxembourg
3.1.9 Mexico
3.1.10 Netherlands
3.1.11 New Zealand
3.1.12 Norway
3.1.13 Portugal
3.1.14 South Africa
3.1.15 Spain
3.1.16 Sweden
3.1.17 United Kingdom
3.1.18 United States
3.1.19 Uruguay
o 3.2 National debates
3.2.1 Andorra
3.2.2 Australia
3.2.3 Austria
3.2.4 Chile
3.2.5 China
3.2.6 Colombia
3.2.7 Finland
3.2.8 Germany
3.2.9 India
3.2.10 Ireland
3.2.11 Israel
3.2.12 Malta
3.2.13 Nepal
3.2.14 Switzerland
3.2.15 Taiwan
3.2.16 Thailand
3.2.17 Turkey
3.2.18 Vietnam
o 3.3 International organizations
o 3.4 Non-sexual same-sex marriage
3.4.1 Kenya
3.4.2 Nigeria
4 Other legally recognized same-sex unions
5 Issues
o 5.1 Parenting
5.1.1 Adoption
5.1.2 Surrogacy and IVF treatment
o 5.2 Transgender and intersex people
o 5.3 Divorce
o 5.4 Controversies
5.4.1 Religion
5.4.2 Terminology
5.4.3 Judicial and legislative
6 Same-sex marriages in popular culture
o 6.1 Games
o 6.2 Comics
o 6.3 Television
7 See also
o 7.1 Documentaries and literature
o 7.2 History
o 7.3 Religion
8 Notes
9 References
10 Bibliography
11 External links
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