Same-sex marriage has been legalized in twenty-eight countries, including the United States, and civil unions are recognized in many Western democracies. Civil Society. While same-sex marriage has made the most gains in Western democracies, antidiscrimination laws are gaining traction worldwide. In , seventy-three countries, including some that retain sodomy laws, had protections against employment discrimination [PDF] based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Activists in the international arena have focused on antiviolence and antidiscrimination campaigns rather than same-sex marriage.
The 29 countries around the world where same-sex marriage is legal
Same-sex marriage in the United States - Wikipedia
Same-sex marriage , also known as gay marriage , is the marriage of two people of the same sex or gender , entered into in a civil or religious ceremony. There are records of same-sex marriage dating back to the first century. In the modern era, the first legislation legalizing same-sex marriage took effect in the Netherlands on 1 April Today, same-sex marriage is legally performed and recognized in 29 countries nationwide or in some jurisdictions :.
On June 26, , the U. The decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized gay marriage nationwide, including in the 14 states that did not previously allow gays and lesbians to wed.