Same-sex marriage

What Is Same-Sex Marriage?

Same-sex marriage, recognized in 38 countries with a population of 1.5 billion, is the union between two people of the same legal sex. This form of marriage has been legally recognized in most developed nations, except for Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, where adoption rights may vary.

Some countries restrict advocacy for same-sex marriage, while others have constitutional bans or Islamic laws that prohibit it. Homosexuality is criminalized in six of these countries, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.

A Historical Perspective

The roots of same-sex marriage date back to the first century, with records indicating that Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were the first modern recorded same-sex couple to obtain a marriage license in 1971. The Netherlands passed the first law providing for marriage equality in 2000.

Scientific studies have shown that gay people’s financial, psychological, and physical well-being are enhanced by marriage, and children of same-sex parents benefit from being raised by married same-sex couples. Excluding same-sex couples from marriage stigmatizes them and invites public discrimination.

The Debate

Opposition to same-sex marriage is often based on the claim that homosexuality is unnatural and abnormal. However, scientific studies refute these claims, showing that the term ‘marriage’ has been revised in dictionaries to include gender-neutral language and recognition of same-sex unions.

In modern times, historians trace the beginning of the movement for same-sex marriage to the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, it has been established by law in 38 countries, including most of the Americas and Western Europe.

Legal Recognition

Same-sex marriage is currently recognized in 38 countries, with several others under consideration or having civil unions proposed. However, some countries have enacted preventative constitutional bans or restrictions on same-sex marriage. In 2010, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that same-sex couples have rights to respect for private and family life and prohibition of discrimination.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued an advisory opinion in 2018 recommending granting same-sex couples access to existing domestic legal systems of family registration, including marriage. As of 2025, countries with alternative forms of legal recognition include Bolivia, Croatia, Cyprus, and others.

Global Practices

In Kenya, female same-sex marriages are practiced among certain tribes as a way for families to keep their inheritance within the family. In Nigeria, same-sex marriages between women are also considered acceptable under certain circumstances.

The American Anthropological Association stated that anthropological research shows no support for the view that marriage depends on being exclusively heterosexual. This research supports the conclusion that diverse family types can contribute to stable and humane societies.

Research Findings

Studies from 1998 to 2015 indicate that same-sex parents and carers benefit from legal recognition of their families, with marriage providing substantial psychological, social, and health benefits. Parents’ financial, psychological, and physical well-being is enhanced by marriage, and children benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union.

Lesbian and gay parents are as fit and capable as heterosexual parents, and same-sex couples have a greater need for adoption or assisted reproductive technology to become parents. The legal status of same-sex marriage may have implications for the marriages of couples with transgender or intersex individuals, depending on how sex is defined within a jurisdiction.

The Future

Same-sex marriage is often decided by majority rules or civil rights views, with a trend showing increasing support across countries driven in part by generational differences. The debate regarding same-sex marriages includes various perspectives based on social viewpoints, majority rules, religious convictions, economic arguments, health-related concerns, and other issues.

As we move forward, the recognition of same-sex marriage continues to evolve, reflecting changing societal values and a growing understanding of human rights. Will you be part of this journey towards equality and acceptance? The choice is ours to make, one step at a time.