Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?
2 years, 2 months ago

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?

Hindustan Times  

Cubans have voted overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage, making the country the 33rd to stop defining marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman. Here is a global overview of same-sex marriage and surrogacy: - Europe, gay marriage pioneers - The Netherlands in 2001 became the first country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry. But following the court's recent U-turn on abortion rights many activists are worried that the justices could now have a change of heart on same-sex marriage also. In Latin America, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Chile, Uruguay and now also Cuba allow same-sex marriage. - Taiwan first in Asia - While much of Asia is tolerant of homosexuality, Taiwan became the first in the region to allow same-sex marriage after a landmark ruling by its Constitutional Court in 2017.

France Spain Marriage Legal Netherlands Cuba Surrogacy Countries Allow European Gay Belgium Gay Marriage Commercial Surrogacy Homosexuality  allow  marriage  legal  gay  surrogacy  couples  united  samesex  country  countries  homosexuality

History of this topic

A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
1 month, 3 weeks ago

A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

LA Times  

Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ+ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo. A second Japanese high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality. The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on …

Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The king of Thailand has …

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, allows couples to wed starting in January
3 months ago

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, allows couples to wed starting in January

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was officially written into law Tuesday, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed. This means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year, making Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage. Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said last week that the city …

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change

Deccan Chronicle  

On June 18, Thailand made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality law, recognising same-sex couples. According to a 2015 opinion poll, 89 per cent of Thais said they would accept a colleague who is gay or lesbian, 80 per cent would not mind if a family member was LGBT, and 59 per cent …

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thailand has become the first …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages
6 months ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of …

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage

Al Jazeera  

Thailand’s Senate has passed the marriage equality bill, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage. “Thailand has taken a historic step towards becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage for LGBTQI couples,” Amnesty International’s Thailand researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said in a statement. “We are very proud to …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage

LA Times  

Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of Representatives right …

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

The bill is likely to become law soon, but activists and those from the LGBTQ community say more work needs to be done. Bangkok, Thailand – Thanadech Jandee is thrilled that Thailand’s marriage equality bill, allowing same-sex couples to marry, is moving closer to becoming law. “It’s a cause for celebration,” Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a Thailand human rights associate at Fortify …

Thailand Takes Steps to End Ban on Surrogacy Services for Foreign, Same-Sex Couples
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand Takes Steps to End Ban on Surrogacy Services for Foreign, Same-Sex Couples

Live Mint  

-- Thailand plans to end a near-decade old ban on foreigners availing commercial surrogacy services to boost medical tourism, and may allow gay and lesbian couples to have access to the services once the country legalizes same-sex marriages later this year. This will support medical tourism, generating more income for the country.” The move to reintroduce commercial surrogacy is aligned …

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill

Live Mint  

Thailand’s lawmakers passed a legislation to recognize same-sex marriage, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to guarantee marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. “We seek to return to them the rights that they have lost.” The landmark legislation seeks to formally change the composition of a marriage from “a man and a …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalise equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and …

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill passed its final reading with the approval of 400 of the 415 members of the House of Representatives who were …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Lawmakers in Thailand’s lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage …

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

Pending final approval, bill will cement Thai credentials among Asia’s most liberal societies on LGBTQ issues. Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise equal marriage after politicians passed a same-sex marriage bill. “We did this for all Thai people to reduce disparity in society and start creating equality.” The legislation would change references to “men”, …

‘Mock marriages’ give hope to LGBTQ community in Thailand ahead of equality Bill
10 months, 1 week ago

‘Mock marriages’ give hope to LGBTQ community in Thailand ahead of equality Bill

The Hindu  

Dozens of same-sex couples were joined in the bonds of mock matrimony in ceremonies across Thailand’s sprawling capital on Wednesday, in a dress rehearsal for official unions expected later this year if a change in the law goes ahead. ‘No boundaries’ The events coincided with Valentine’s Day, with one held at a ritzy shopping mall decked out in pink and …

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage
11 months ago

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage

The Diplomat  

On November 29, Nepal registered its first same-sex marriage between Ram Bahadur Gurung and Surendra Pandey. The registration occurred in Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung district after the Supreme Court issued an interim order to register same-sex marriages and keep temporary marriage records. In 2007, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to recognize a third gender category, audit all laws …

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law
1 year ago

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law

Al Jazeera  

If passed by parliament, Thailand would be first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and only the second in Asia, after Taiwan. Last week the cabinet of the Thai government endorsed a bill that would amend the country’s Civil and Commercial Code to define marriage as between any two “individuals”. “It’s just only to give the liberty and …

Same-sex marriage: Check how it has divided the world
1 year, 6 months ago

Same-sex marriage: Check how it has divided the world

Firstpost  

A new survey by the Pew Research Center shows that people’s opinions on legal same-sex marriage vary widely across 24 countries. The survey found that support for same-sex marriage is highest in Sweden, where 92 per cent of adults are in favor of it, and lowest in Nigeria, where only 2 per cent support it. Graphic by Pranay Bhardwaj In …

These are the world’s most dangerous countries for LGBTQ communities
1 year, 6 months ago

These are the world’s most dangerous countries for LGBTQ communities

Live Mint  

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month is being celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Of the 193 countries in the United Nations, 64 still criminalise same-sex acts, according to International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Trans, and Intersex Association Here's a list of countries where same-sex acts are considered illegal: AFRICA: Of the 52 countries, …

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples
1 year, 7 months ago

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples

Hindustan Times  

Taiwan's parliament passed an amendment on Tuesday allowing gay couples to jointly adopt children, a move hailed by activists as "another big step forward" for marriage equality. While individuals in Taiwan were allowed to adopt regardless of sexual orientation, those in same-sex marriages could not both be legal parents unless the child was one partner's biological offspring. "After four years …

List of countries where same-sex marriage is legal
1 year, 8 months ago

List of countries where same-sex marriage is legal

Hindustan Times  

A five-judge Supreme Court bench Tuesday, began hearing a batch of petitions regarding the legalisation of same-sex marriages in India. While the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government has been opposing the pleas, terming them as merely reflecting “urban elitist views”, the petitioners argued that the LGBTQIA+ community deserved wider constitutional entitlements based on the right to life and personal liberty, …

'I Do': Will India become the next country to approve of same-sex marriages?
1 year, 8 months ago

'I Do': Will India become the next country to approve of same-sex marriages?

Firstpost  

The Supreme Court of India will today hear a batch of pleas seeking legal recognition of same sex marriages. Canada Although though the Canadian federal government granted same-sex couples common law marriage privileges in 1999, it wasn’t until 2005 that the Canadian Parliament made same-sex marriage legal across the country. Following the introduction of gender-neutral wording in revisions to the …

Why same-sex couples are pushing for legal sanction of marriage
1 year, 9 months ago

Why same-sex couples are pushing for legal sanction of marriage

The Hindu  

Last week, Deepak Sharma was rushed to a hospital in Bengaluru for an emergency surgery. However, because financial and social security benefits are only accorded to those who have the legal sanction of a marriage, same-sex couples have trouble accessing some basic relationship rights. “Ever since consensual sex between homosexuals was decriminalised, the legitimate expectation was that marriage rights to …

DC Edit | As world changes, let’s be open to same-sex unions
1 year, 9 months ago

DC Edit | As world changes, let’s be open to same-sex unions

Deccan Chronicle  

Most Indians are still reeling under feelings of pride, nationalism and the delightful secondary glow of global acknowledgement after the “Naatu Naatu” win at the Oscars in Los Angeles, but most of them might have totally missed what it was all about, or by an extension of that logic, what we, as citizens, must be standing for, within the realm …

India’s government opposes legalisation of same sex marriages
1 year, 9 months ago

India’s government opposes legalisation of same sex marriages

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy India’s government has opposed the …

Centre Says 'No' to Same-sex Marriage; A Look at Countries Where It’s Legal
1 year, 9 months ago

Centre Says 'No' to Same-sex Marriage; A Look at Countries Where It’s Legal

News 18  

The Government of India has opposed the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in the country. Greenland Greenland’s parliament voted unanimously to legalize same-sex marriage and granted adoption rights in 2015. France France’s highest court threw its weight behind a bill allowing same-sex marriage and adoptions by same-sex couples in May 2013. Spain The Spanish Parliament legalized same-sex marriage and granted …

Data | In 133 countries homosexuality decriminalised, but only in 32 of them same-sex marriage is legal
1 year, 11 months ago

Data | In 133 countries homosexuality decriminalised, but only in 32 of them same-sex marriage is legal

The Hindu  

On Sunday, over 2,000 members and supporters of the LGBTQ community took to the streets of New Delhi to press for equal marriage rights, after the Supreme Court on Friday transferred to itself petitions pending in various High Courts seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage. The Centre’s position on the issue is not unique given that currently, more than 6.77 …

Same-sex marriage is now legal in all Mexican States
2 years, 1 month ago

Same-sex marriage is now legal in all Mexican States

The Hindu  

Lawmakers in the border state of Tamaulipas voted on Wednesday night to legalise same-sex marriages, becoming the last of Mexico's 32 states to authorise such unions. The measure to amend the state’s Civil Code passed with 23 votes in favour, 12 against and two abstentions, setting off cheers of “Yes, we can!” from supporters of the change. A day earlier, …

Same-sex marriage becomes legal nationwide in Mexico
2 years, 1 month ago

Same-sex marriage becomes legal nationwide in Mexico

Al Jazeera  

The state of Tamaulipas voted to recognise same-sex marriage, making it legal in all 32 states. The congress of Mexico’s northeastern border state Tamaulipas has voted to recognise same-sex marriage, making it legal across the country. Recently, the states of Mexico, Sonora and Sinaloa voted to legally recognise same-sex marriage, as it has been a long-awaited mark of progress for …

Gay couples in Cuba marry under new law
2 years, 1 month ago

Gay couples in Cuba marry under new law

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Cuba — Serious, standing upright and dressed in long gala dresses – despite the midday Cuban heat – Lisset and Liusba quietly walk up the ten steps of the notary office, their hands clenched and shaking. It became a possibility just three weeks before on the island when Cuba’s new Family Code – opening up everything from equal …

Love is Love: Cuba joins a growing list of nations that have legalised same-sex marriages
2 years, 2 months ago

Love is Love: Cuba joins a growing list of nations that have legalised same-sex marriages

Firstpost  

Cuba has voted to legalise same-sex marriages. This will now hold true for all couples in Cuba as the country has legalised same-sex marriages. Costa Rica In 2020, Costa Rica lifted the ban on same-sex marriage nearly two years after the country’s Supreme Court said banning gay marriage was unconstitutional. Ecuador Ecuador’s apex court passed an order to recognise same-sex …

Cuba approves same-sex marriage by large margin in landmark referendum
2 years, 2 months ago

Cuba approves same-sex marriage by large margin in landmark referendum

India Today  

Cubans approved gay marriage and adoption overwhelmingly in a Sunday referendum backed by the government that also boosted rights for women, the national election commission said on Monday. More than 3.9 million voters voted to ratify the code, while 1.95 million opposed ratification, Alina Balseiro Gutierrez, president of the commission, said on state-run television on Monday. The 100-page "family code" …

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law
2 years, 4 months ago

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law

Firstpost  

“Private sexual behavior between consenting adults does not raise any law and order issue. Kuala Lumpur: Singapore will decriminalise sex between men by repealing a colonial-era law but will amend the constitution to ensure same-sex marriage is not allowed, the city-state’s leader said Sunday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he believed repealing the law is the “right thing to …

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional
2 years, 6 months ago

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional

Associated Press  

TOKYO — A Japanese court ruled Monday that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage does not violate the constitution, and rejected demands for compensation by three couples who said their right to free union and equality has been violated. The Osaka District Court ruling is the second decision on the issue, and disagrees with a ruling last year by a …

Same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional: Japan court
2 years, 6 months ago

Same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional: Japan court

India Today  

An Osaka court on Monday ruled that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage was not "unconstitutional", dealing a setback to LGBTQ rights activists in the only Group of Seven nation that doesn't allow people of the same gender to marry. The ruling dashes activists' hopes of raising pressure on Japan's government to address the issue after a Sapporo court in March …

Same-sex marriage now legal in 31 countries
3 years ago

Same-sex marriage now legal in 31 countries

Live Mint  

On Tuesday, Chilean lawmakers approved a same-sex marriage bill, by a landslide vote. A batch of petitions in Delhi High Court are seeking same-sex marriages to be legalised under the special, Hindu and foreign marriage laws in India. The Czech government has backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalise …

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?
3 years, 8 months ago

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?

Firstpost  

By David Crary and Mike Corder Twenty years ago, just after the stroke of midnight on 1 April, the mayor of Amsterdam married four couples in City Hall as the Netherlands became the first country in the world with legalised same-sex marriages. The pairs were among four couples to get married under a new law which took effect April 1, …

Marking the 20th anniversary of world’s first same-sex marriages
3 years, 8 months ago

Marking the 20th anniversary of world’s first same-sex marriages

Live Mint  

Twenty years ago, Dutch couple Gert Kasteel and Dolf Pasker made history when they tied the knot in the world's first legally-recognised same-sex wedding in the Netherlands. "It's nicer to say to other people 'he's my husband, he's my man'," says Dolf, sitting next to Gert as they flip through an album of photos and newspaper clippings of the wedding, …

‘Righting a wrong': Nevada 1st to protect same-sex marriage
4 years, 1 month ago

‘Righting a wrong': Nevada 1st to protect same-sex marriage

Associated Press  

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Las Vegas has been known for decades as the place for exuberant nuptials blessed by the swirl of Elvis’ white capes. Now, the state that’s home to the “wedding capital of the world” is also the first in the country to officially protect same-sex marriage in its Constitution. “It’s literally righting a wrong,” said Karen Vibe, …

Discover Related