Which Countries Have Legalized Same-Sex Marriage in the Last Year?

Which Countries Have Legalized Same-Sex Marriage in the Last Year : If you’re asking, “Which countries have legalized same-sex marriage in the last year?” the answer, as of late 2024, highlights both progress and the ongoing global journey toward marriage equality.

Which Countries Have Legalized Same-Sex Marriage in the Last Year?

If you’re asking, “Which countries have legalized same-sex marriage in the last year?” the answer, as of late 2024, highlights both progress and the ongoing global journey toward marriage equality. Within the last year, the notable addition to the list is Greece, which passed its same-sex marriage Act into law in February 2024. This landmark decision makes Greece the first majority-Orthodox Christian nation to legalize marriage equality. While the pace of new countries fully legalizing same-sex marriage has slowed, the global conversation continues to intensify, with significant developments occurring in legislative bodies and courts worldwide.

The Current Global Landscape for Marriage Equality

Understanding the recent progress requires a look at the broader picture. The global movement for marriage equality continues to advance, though the number of nations granting these rights remains a minority.

The Growing List of Marriage Equality Nations

As of late 2024, 36 countries have legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The journey began in 2001 when the Netherlands became the pioneer, a common answer to the question, “What country was the first to legalize same-sex marriages quizlet?” Since then, nations across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania have followed suit.

• Recent Milestone (2024): Greece
• Previous Milestone (2023): Andorra, Nepal, and Estonia
• Historic First in Asia (2019): Taiwan, which holds the title of the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in Asia.

This progress stands in stark contrast to the many countries where same-sex marriage is illegal, a list that still includes much of Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

How to Stay Updated on Global LGBTQ+ Rights

The legal status of same-sex marriage can change quickly through court rulings or parliamentary votes. Here is a step-by-step guide to verifying the most current information.

1. Step 1: Identify Reputable Sources. Bookmark leading international LGBTQ+ organizations. The most authoritative include Human Rights Campaign (HRC), ILGA World (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association), and Reuters or AP News for breaking developments.
2. Step 2: Use Specific Search Terms. When researching, use precise phrases like “same-sex marriage legalization [Country Name]” or “LGBTQ rights update [Year].” This filters out outdated or irrelevant results.
3. Step 3: Check the Date. Always note the publication date of any article. A news story from 2023 will not reflect the legalization in Greece in 2024.
4. Step 4: Verify with Official Government Sources. For confirmed legal changes, look for official government press releases or legislative databases that record the passage of new laws.

Key Regions to Watch for Future Legalization

While only one new country has fully legalized same-sex marriage in the past year, several nations are on the cusp, making them critical to watch.

Progress in Asia and the Pacific

The momentum in Asia is particularly significant. Following Taiwan’s landmark decision, other countries are seeing active movements.

• Japan: Multiple court cases have found the ban on same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional, putting immense pressure on the national legislature to act.
• Thailand: The Thai parliament has been actively debating a marriage equality bill, which would make it the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage if passed.
• The Philippines: The situation for same-sex marriage in the Philippines remains complex. While there is strong public support and several anti-discrimination local ordinances, the national family code defines marriage as between a man and a woman. A constitutional challenge or a legislative bill would be required for change.

Developments in Europe and the Americas

Even in regions with established equality, progress continues.

• Liechtenstein & the Czech Republic: Both countries have active parliamentary efforts to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Latvia: Following the election of its first openly gay president, the national conversation on relationship recognition has intensified.

The Case for Legalization and Ongoing Challenges

The debate over why same-sex marriage should be legalized is rooted in principles of equality, dignity, and legal security. Proponents argue it provides crucial protections in areas like inheritance, healthcare decision-making, taxation, and child-rearing. It affirms the equal worth of LGBTQ+ relationships under the law.

However, the reality is that a significant majority of the world’s nations have not yet taken this step. When considering how many countries is same-sex marriage illegal, the number is over 150, reflecting the vast work still ahead for the global LGBTQ+ rights movement.

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