As of 2025, 38 countries have legalized marriage equality, a significant milestone considering none had done so before 2001. The first country to legalize it was the Netherlands in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2003, making it the second nation to pass such legislation. Countries across different continents, including Argentina in 2010 and Denmark in 2012, are part of this progressive movement. Despite advancements, some regions like Northern Ireland still lag in legal recognition of same-sex marriage, highlighting ongoing disparities in LGBTQ+ rights.
Belgium drew inspiration from the Netherlands and became the second country to legalize marriage equality in June, 2003. The bill was passed by the Senate in November, 2002.
Argentina became the first country in Latin America and the second country in the Americas to legalize marriage equality in July, 2010.
Denmark was slightly behind other Nordic countries when it enacted marriage equality legislation in June, 2012. Greenland would not get marriage equality until 2016.
The British Parliament passed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act of 2013 in July of that year, legalizing marriage equality for England and Wales.
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