Same-sex marriage: Countries that have recently supported such decision

Same-sex marriage has become an integral part of modern society, changing the traditional idea of marriage. Attitudes to same-sex marriage vary around the world, and more and more countries are introducing laws recognizing equal rights for such citizens.

Some countries have only recently started legalizing same-sex marriage, while others are not yet ready to change the institution of marriage. Newsbytesapp writes about the countries that have recognized same-sex unions recently.

Who was the first to legalize same-sex marriage

The Netherlands became the first country to officially recognize same-sex marriage in 2001. This step was the starting point of a wave of progressive decisions in other countries, such as Belgium, Canada and Spain. They made marriage between people of the same sex a reality over the next few years.

Where same-sex marriage has been legalized recently

1. Estonia

Estonia took a historic step by becoming the first country in the Baltic States and the first former Soviet state to legalize same-sex unions in 2023. Representatives in parliament, with a 55-vote majority, approved an amendment to the Family Law that broadened the recognition of same-sex relationships, allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. The new legislation will come into force on January 1, 2024, opening a new chapter of equality and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community in Estonia.

2. Andorra

Andorra joined the list of countries that have legalized same-sex marriage in February 2023. The amendments to the Family Code came into force on July 21, 2022, after a vote by the parliament. Previously, in Andorra, same-sex couples could only form civil unions, starting in 2014. These changes recognized their equal rights and were an important step towards equality.

3. Cuba

Cuba legalized same-sex marriage in September 2022 after a referendum on the Family Code. The national vote resulted in support for changes that allow same-sex marriage. The move also gave same-sex couples the right to adopt children and promoted family equality. The referendum also legalized surrogacy and strengthened the fight against gender-based violence.

4. Switzerland

In 2021, Switzerland made an important decision in a nationwide vote, supporting the legalization of same-sex unions and the right to adopt for such couples. The referendum garnered 64.1% support, which is almost two-thirds of the vote. It allowed lesbian couples to use donor sperm in their marriage, which was previously only available to heterosexual couples. The new law also makes it easier for foreign spouses of Swiss citizens to obtain citizenship.

5. Chile

In 2021, Chile passed a law on marriage equality, supported by the Senate on December 7 and the lower house on November 23. The President of Chile signed the bill on December 9, 2021. Previously, the country recognized same-sex relationships only in the form of civil unions, which have been allowed since 2015.