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Gayther

Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions & Marriages

A guide to the countries in the world that recognise same-sex unions and marriages
Community Image - Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions & Marriages
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities, collectively known as the LGBTQIA+ community, have been around in many forms for thousands of years. With attitudes continually changing towards the community, many countries began passing laws to allow same-sex couples to form unions, partnerships or marriages.

The LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions & Marriages index covers every country worldwide. A guide to the countries that legally recognise same-sex unions and marriages by country, and the status of the types of unions recognised
KEY FACT
32.2%
of countries around the world recognise some form of same-sex civil unions, and partnerships / 27% of countries recognise same-sex marriages
Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Marriages and Unions Index
LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
33.5%
of countries score high or very high
Same-Sex Unions or Marriages
32.2%
75 countries recognise same-sex unions or marriages
Legal Gender Recognition
40.8%
95 countries legally recognise gender identities
LGBTQIA+ Families
36.47%
62 countries legally recognise same-sex joint or second-parent adoptions
LGBTQIA+ Dollar
$1.59
trillion
added to the world economy
LGBTQIA+ Population
217.3
million
estimated people living within communities across the globe
Gay Conversion Therapy
6%
or 14 countries have laws with full bans relating to Gay Conversion Therapy

Contents

| IN PAGE LINKS

LOCATOR

Select
a country or territory from the dropdown list
Discover the status of same-sex marriages and unions in any country…
Gayther Dropdown – Same-Sex Marriages (500px)

SUMMARY

discover the key points and
interesting facts
2025
Explore the highlights from the index, including notable developments, achievements, and much more.
Gayther Same-Sex Marriages Index – 2025 Statistics
KEY FACTS
  • 33.5% or 78 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages, unions or partnerships
  • 27% or 64 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages
  • Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 70.8% or 34 countries, followed by the Americas at 50.9% or 27 countries
  • Africa has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages and unions at 7% or 4 countries, followed by Asia at 9.8% or 5 countries
Overview
  • 17.5% or 38.1 million LGBTQIA+ individuals are living in countries where they can form civil partnerships or unions
  • 18.1% or 39.4 million LGBTQIA+ individuals are living in countries where they can form same-sex marriages
  • 33.5% or 78 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages, unions or partnerships
  • 27% or 64 countries around the world allow same-sex marriages
  • Comparing the number of countries against the total within a continent
    • Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 70.8% or 34 countries, followed by the Americas at 50.9% or 27 countries
    • Africa has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 7% or 4 countries, followed by Asia with 9.8% or5 countries
    • Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages at 52.1% or 25 countries, followed by the Americas at 45.3% or 24 countries
    • Asia has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages at 5.9% or 3 countries, followed by Africa with 7% or 4 countries
Developments from the Previous Year
  • Liechtenstein – On January 1, 2025, a law legalising same-sex marriage came into force.
  • Thailand – On January 23, 2025, a law legalising same-sex marriage came into force.
  • The constitutional court of Lithuania ruled that same-sex couples have the right to register their partnership with the courts. Legal recognition will remain in place until the government of Lithuania, the Seimas, adopts a comprehensive law on registered partnerships.
  • In November 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that all member states are legally required to recognise same-sex marriages between EU citizens, including those performed in other member states.
Planning for your big day? The Gayther wedding and union checklist can be used online or via download and contains a list of all the main tasks and helpful tips

INTERACTIVE MAP

explore the world with the
interactive map
click here  Click on a specific country within the map to learn what types of same-sex unions and marriages that particular country legally recognises
GREEN – a country that recognises some form of same-sex marriage or civil union
Explore the world
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies and interests around the world. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences is both exciting and rewarding. For most people, knowing the best time to visit and basic travel details is enough; however, for the LGBTQIA+ community, further research is necessary. The Gayther Travel guides cover hundreds of countries and regions, providing essential travel information, useful terms in local languages, and important health advice, including details on how each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover Gayther guides today.

ABOUT LGBTQIA+ SAME-SEX UNIONS & MARRIAGES

important things to
about the index
Gayther Community - About Same-Sex Marriages
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities, collectively known as the LGBTQIA+ community, have been around in many forms for thousands of years and throughout the centuries. The community faced hundreds of years of persecution, targeted campaigns and gruesome convictions when prosecuted. It was not until the late 18th century that the gay movement began to gain momentum, with prominent figures advocating for equality, and it continues to this day. From emperors to actors, the community has a long and rich history. Often, a tale of people facing adversity, just for accepting who they are, even when the risk to their personal safety is so high. Many within the community face challenges every day, in every country, region, and continent worldwide.

As attitudes change and more countries become more accepting and inclusive, the community has seen nations introduce laws permitting same-sex unions and marriages. Like in traditional heterosexual marriages, same-sex unions or marriages are a declaration of love or wanting to share your life with someone. Legal protection and rights are achieved by having the relationship recognised under the law.

From factors such as inheritance and tax relief to next-of-kin and end-of-life matters, same-sex official relationship status provides financial relief and added protection for both parties. People who have been together a long time will accumulate many shared assets, love, and care throughout their partners’ lives. When hospitalised or in life-and-death situations, doctors will often restrict visits to family only and ask a legally recognised partner to make difficult decisions. In the absence of a legal partner, they will ask other family members, even if they have been estranged for a long time. Forming a marriage or union is a declaration of love and legal recognition of a couple’s status. Not only that, but entering into a marriage or union provides long-term protection for both partners.
Positive representation helps in
Acceptance and coming to terms with a part of what makes you can be challenging for many people. The Gayther pride in series is about celebrating all things relating to sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Showcasing the exceptional people, interesting facts and ways to connect with those unique communities, all designed to help and promote pride in LGBTQIA+ identities.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

all the questions most
commonly asked
Discover answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the index and the wider community.
Gayther Same-Sex Marriage - Marriage Difference
What is the difference between civil partnerships and marriages?
Civil partnerships and marriages are almost identical, with a few exceptions. The marriage ceremony is rooted in religion, so when individuals marry, they typically exchange vows, such as “till death do us part.” In contrast, a civil partnership is formed by signing a legal contract or a partnership agreement. The second notable difference relates to when a marriage or partnership ends. In most countries, except for countries like the Philippines, the process of dissolving a marriage is established and legal. The divorce requirements differ by country; however, Civil Partnerships or Unions are ended through dissolution, a process that terminates the contract or agreement. Civil partners cannot describe themselves as married and form their unions at an official government building. One misconception is that civil partnerships are similar to common-law spouses. Civil partnerships and unions have greater rights and recognition under the law than common-law relationships. They have legal recognition, similar to marriage, with the few exceptions previously outlined. Civil partnerships and unions were created to allow same-sex couples to form legally recognised relationships. They were able to create legal relationships without using the term “marriage” and to avoid conflicts with religious beliefs regarding the sanctity of marriage. With time and advocates’ direct actions, many countries have changed their laws to allow same-sex couples to form legally binding marriages, partnerships, and unions. Even though many countries now recognise same-sex marriages, some religious groups will not perform marriage ceremonies or sanction same-sex unions
Gayther Same-Sex Marriage - Legal Recognition
Why is the legal recognition of same-sex marriages so important?
Over the centuries, more countries have created a clear separation between the government and the church. A country can be religious; however, in democratically elected nations, those appointed by the people are meant to represent everyone in society. The representation should include people who may hold different views and beliefs and live different lifestyles from their own. With greater diversity worldwide, people from various religious denominations and more acceptance of those different to ourselves, it is crucial that everyone is treated the same. Equality ensures that everyone has the same rights and protections under the law. So, allowing heterosexual couples to marry but not allowing same-sex individuals the same legal recognition creates inequality and takes away people’s fundamental rights. People’s personal beliefs are different from the law, and no one should have the power or right to take away or suppress the freedoms of another group, especially in modern democratically elected countries
Gayther Same-Sex Marriage - Divorce
Are marriages and divorces the same for LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ couples?
YES – the process of marrying and divorcing is identical; the only minor exception is when same-sex couples form a civil partnership or union. The processes and laws governing marriage and divorce will vary by country. However, nations that permit same-sex marriages will follow the same process for straight and same-sex couples alike. Marriage laws cover various matters, including the management of shared assets related to inheritance, nationality, obtaining citizenship through either spouse, tax relief, and important life matters, such as end-of-life matters. Ending the marriage, known as divorce, will also follow the same process as straight couples living within any given country. Divorce typically requires a reason or grounds for divorce, such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion. The requirements vary by country; however, you will need to have been married for more than one year and separated for two years or more
Understanding the world around us with
Discover the Gayther Indices, community-related trackers that are among the most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ resources worldwide, covering a wide range of themes from global equality to healthcare systems, to help inform and engage everyone. Whether you are looking for the perfect travel destination or aiming to better understand and support equal rights for community members across the globe, the Gayther Indices are your essential international resource.
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USEFUL PHRASES

Common phrases and terms in
over 80 languages
Please select a country from the drop-down list to discover common phrases relating to marriage and unions

Gayther Useful Phrases – Marriage (500px)
MARRIAGE
BOYFRIEND
BRIDE
CELEBRANT
CEREMONY
CHURCH
CIVIL
COHABIT
COHABITATION
COMMITMENT
COUPLE
DISSOLUTION
DIVORCE
DIVORCED
GIRLFRIEND
GROOM
HONEYMOON
LICENCE
MARRIED
MARRIED COUPLE
MARRY
MATRIMONY
NUPTIAL
PARTNER
RELIGIOUS
SPOUSE
VENUE
VOW
WEDDING
What is spoken where
It is estimated that over seven thousand languages and dialects are spoken worldwide. When travelling, it is essential to learn which languages are spoken in various areas, as well as key phrases and words in those languages. The Gayther Worldwide Languages Guide features all the main languages spoken globally, organised by country and region. Discover everything about languages today.

BY COUNTRY

Explore the index by
county as a list
Learn more about the status of Same-Sex Marriages and Civil Unions by country name (in alphabetical order). If you want to learn more about any given country, please click on the flag or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window
QUICK LINKS | A | B | C | D E F | G | H I J | K L | M | N | O P Q | R S | T | U V W X Y Z


A  
Afghanistan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Albania Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Algeria Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
American Samoa Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Andorra Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Angola Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Anguilla Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Antigua and Barbuda Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Argentina Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Armenia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Australia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Austria Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Azerbaijan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


B  
Bahamas, The Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Bahrain Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Bangladesh Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Barbados Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Belarus Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Belgium Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Belize Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Benin Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Bermuda Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Bhutan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Bolivia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Botswana Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Brazil Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
British Virgin Islands Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Brunei Darussalam Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Bulgaria Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Burkina Faso Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Burundi Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


C  
Cambodia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Cameroon Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Canada Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Caribbean Netherlands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Cayman Islands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Central African Republic Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Chad Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Channel Islands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Chile Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
China Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Colombia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Comoros Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Congo, D.Rep Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Congo, Rep Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Cook Islands Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Costa Rica Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Croatia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Cuba Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Cyprus Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Czech Republic (Czechia) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No


D E F  
Denmark Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Djibouti Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Dominica Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Dominican Republic Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
East Timor (Timor-Leste) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Ecuador Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Egypt Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
El Salvador Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Equatorial Guinea Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Eritrea Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Estonia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Ethiopia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Fiji Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Finland Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
France Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
French Guiana Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
French Polynesia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes


G  
Gabon Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Gambia, The Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Georgia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Germany Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Ghana Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Gibraltar Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Greece Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Greenland Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Grenada Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Guadeloupe Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Guam Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Guatemala Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Guinea Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Guinea-Bissau Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Guyana Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


H I J  
Haiti Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Honduras Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Hong Kong Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Hungary Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Iceland Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
India Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Indonesia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Iran, Islamic Republic of Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Iraq Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Ireland Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Isle of Man Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Israel Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Italy Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Jamaica Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Japan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Jordan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


K L  
Kazakhstan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Kenya Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Kiribati Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Korea, North (D.Rep) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Korea, South (Rep) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Kosovo, Republic of Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Kuwait Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Laos Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Latvia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Lebanon Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Lesotho Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Liberia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Libya Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Liechtenstein Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Lithuania Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Luxembourg Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes


M  
Macau Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Madagascar Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Malawi Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Malaysia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Maldives Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Mali Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Malta Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Marshall Islands Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Martinique Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Mauritania Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Mauritius Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Mayotte Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Mexico Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: Yes
Micronesia, F.S Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Moldova Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Monaco Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Mongolia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Montenegro Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Morocco Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Mozambique Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Myanmar Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


N  
Namibia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Nauru Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Nepal Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: Yes
Netherlands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Netherlands Antilles Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
New Caledonia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
New Zealand Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Nicaragua Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Niger Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Nigeria Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Niue Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
North Macedonia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Northern Mariana Islands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Norway Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes


O P Q  
Oman Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Pakistan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Palau Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Palestine, State of Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Panama Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Papua New Guinea Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Paraguay Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Peru Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Philippines Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Pitcairn Islands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Poland Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Portugal Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Puerto Rico Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Qatar Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


R S  
Reunion Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Romania Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Russia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Rwanda Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Saint Barthelemy (Barts) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Saint Helena Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Saint Kitts and Nevis Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Saint Lucia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Saint Martin (Dutch) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Saint Martin (French) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Samoa Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
San Marino Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: No
Sao Tome and Principe Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Saudi Arabia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Senegal Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Serbia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Seychelles Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Sierra Leone Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Singapore Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Slovakia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Slovenia Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Solomon Islands Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Somalia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
South Africa Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
South Sudan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Spain Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Sri Lanka Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Sudan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Suriname Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: Yes
Swaziland (Eswatini) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Sweden Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Switzerland Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Syria Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


T  
Taiwan Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Tajikistan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Tanzania Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Thailand Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Togo Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Tokelau Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Tonga Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Trinidad and Tobago Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Tunisia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Turkey (Turkiye) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Turkmenistan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Turks and Caicos Islands Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Tuvalu Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No


U V W X Y Z  
Uganda Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Ukraine Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
United Kingdom (UK) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
United States of America (USA) Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Uruguay Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
US Virgin Islands Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Uzbekistan Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Vanuatu Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Vatican City (Holy See) Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Venezuela Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Vietnam Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Wallis and Futuna Flag
Civil Union: Yes | Marriage: Yes
Yemen Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Zambia Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Zimbabwe Flag
Civil Union: No | Marriage: No
Grouped by Continent
LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Marriages by Continent

The number of countries around the world, by continent that allow same-sex marriages

7%
(4 out of 57 countries)
AFRICA
45.3%
(24 out of 53 countries)
THE AMERICAS
5.9%
(3 out of 51 countries)
ASIA
52.1%
(25 out of 48 countries)
EUROPE
33.3%
(8 out of 24 countries)
OCEANIA
Extraordinary people
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, with rights and protections for its members greatly enhanced. These changes are a direct result of the extraordinary individuals who have stood up, often at considerable personal risk, to advocate for and defend community rights. Discover more about some of these remarkable individuals today.

UPDATE FREQUENCY

Discover more about how often the index is
updated
Gayther Community - Updates
To keep up to date, we will typically update all of our community indices in the first quarter of every year (before March) to keep a consistent position. Should a landmark event occur, we would endeavour to change all relevant indices as quickly as possible.

When reviewing data, it is crucial to understand what it represents, whether it reflects the world and the experience of all those affected. Changes within any given country or region are not restricted to a specific month of the year or even are automatically triggered. Change, especially concerning equality, gender recognition, same-sex marriages and the status of gay conversion therapy, often takes work. Typically by many large groups of dedicated and focused individuals advocating and fighting for justice for positive change within their local communities.

The indices have been created to help you understand the world around you; however, engaging with your global community is essential. It is vital, especially if you are familiar with your desired destination. By reaching out and communicating with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can establish critical details. It only takes a small amount of effort in locating people from or those who have already visited your particular destination for advice. Engaging on social media and Gayther’s networking platform, Gayther Affinity, can help you connect with the global LGBTQIA+ community.
Last Updated: June 9, 2025
Legal recognition of
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The big directory comprises fourteen groups and over one thousand categories, from travel accommodation to home maintenance
There are thousands of events taking place, it is not always easy to know what is going on and when, Gayther can help
The Care Providers and Services directory lists businesses and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all
There are millions of non-profit organisations, advice services, and support groups worldwide, all designed to help you
The RM Directory is designed to showcase organisations and services experienced in assisting those seeking refuge or relocating. Whether a refugee who is forced to leave home due to war or a migrant seeking out better living conditions, the RM Directory can help
Resources designed to help you engage
With more than a thousand data points on weather stations around the world, hundreds of LGBTQIA+ country and state travel guides, and articles, fun activities, and games related to the community, there is something for everyone on Gayther. Support your friends, followers, or customers by including a badge or one of the many colourful QR codes in your newsletter, blog, vlog, or website to direct them to resources that connect directly to you, your business, or your service. Discover QR codes and gayther badges today.

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When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
Learn more about Gayther; it’s history, values and mission
Discover Gayther Care, a site dedicated to community support and care
Discover all about the LGBTQIA+ community from the many resources available
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer

Never miss a story, offer or event again. By subscribing to Gayther, you will receive the latest news, articles, upcoming events, and so much more straight to your mailbox

Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
NOTES
  • The index has been compiled and is correct as of June 8, 2025
  • • The LGBTQIA+ same-sex union and marriage guide has been compiled using a variety of sources, including news articles, publications and various pages on Wikipedia

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The same-sex unions and marriages guide has been compiled based on the laws that exist within each given country. Although individual states, regions, and provinces may have different rules and treatments, the assessment is carried out at the national level. If you plan to get married or enter into a legal union, it is recommended that you conduct independent research on your chosen country, as laws and regulations change frequently. The guide and data contained within this page are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute advice. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site up to date, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information displayed. This page may contain external links to third-party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies