# Same-Sex Marriage
Last month
October 2023
India's top court refuses to legalise same-sex marriages, leaving campaigners 'disheartened'
Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government has staunchly opposed same-sex marriage.
Last year
2022
US Congress passes law to protect same-sex marriage
The vote in the House of Representatives saw 39 Republicans join a united Democratic majority in a rare show of bipartisanship.
US Senate passes landmark bill to protect same-sex marriage
‘Love is love, and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love,’ said Biden after the vote.
US House passes bill to protect same-sex marriage from Supreme Court
47 Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in voting for the bill.
All time
Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage ruled unconstitutional by court
The country’s refusal to issue spouse visas to partners of same-sex couples legally married overseas has been a growing problem.
First same-sex couples in civil partnerships marry in Northern Ireland
Couples in more than 1,300 same-sex civil partnerships are now allowed to tie the knot.
'We've made history': First same-sex marriage takes place in Northern Ireland
“We didn’t set out to make history – we just fell in love,” Sharni Edwards said.
Church or ministers won't have to provide same-sex marriage in the North under proposed law
Amnesty International said: “If a church wishes to offer weddings to same-sex couples of faith, then the law should not get in the way.”
From today, same-sex marriage is now legally recognised in the North
The first marriage ceremonies should take place in February.
US Hallmark TV channel pulls ads with brides kissing after conservative pressure
The controversy from the ads was a distraction, a spokeswoman for the channel said.
Same-sex marriage legalised and abortion decriminalised in Northern Ireland
The British government has assumed responsibility for introducing regulations to provide access to abortion by next April.
Explainer: Why can't same-sex couples in Northern Ireland get married until next year?
The first ceremonies could take place on the week of Valentine’s Day 2020.
'What we have in Ireland is not equal': Same-sex parents call for more legal rights to their children
The protest was held this afternoon outside the Department of Health building in Dublin.
Explainer: Why are some Northern Irish MLAs returning to Stormont?
Other parties are calling the return to Stormont a ‘stunt’.
'The DUP didn't want this, but some will be relieved': What happens now in Northern Ireland?
These votes have been a long-time coming – but make the return of power-sharing much less likely.
Same-sex marriage and abortion to be legalised in North if no power-sharing by 21 October
Amendments relating to same-sex marriage and abortion were passed in the House of Commons today.
Taiwan's parliament has become the first in Asia to pass legislation for same-sex marriage
Debate is ongoing over what, if any, provisions will be made for same-sex couples to adopt.
Cuba to scrap same-sex marriage language from new constitution, official says
The decision was made despite public support nationwide for the reform.
Homosexuality can still mean the death penalty in many countries
A look at LGBT rights across the world.
Top EU court rules same-sex partners have residency rights in landmark case
The ruling means same-sex partners of EU citizens have the right to live in any member state, even in countries that do not recognise gay marriage.
Comedian John Bishop called for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the North of Ireland
Bishop recently paid a visit to Northern Ireland and learned “a real lesson”.
Number of Roman Catholic marriages reducing but it's still the most popular type of ceremony
The average age of grooms in Ireland is 36, while the average age of brides is 34.
Taoiseach says it would be appropriate for Pope to visit survivors of Catholic Church abuse in Ireland
The government will tell the Vatican that families ‘of all shapes and forms’ should be celebrated during Pope’s Irish visit
Northern Ireland same-sex marriage bill passes first stage in House of Lords
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where same-sex marriage is still banned.
Bermuda becomes first in the world to legalise and then repeal same-sex marriage
Theresa May has said she is “seriously disappointed” in the decision from the British overseas territory.
Gay couples marry in midnight ceremonies across Australia
Marriage equality became law on 9 December with overwhelming support in Parliament.
'What a day for love, for equality': Australia passes same-sex marriage bill in landslide vote
Only a handful of politicians voted against the law change.
Australian MP proposes during same-sex marriage debate in House of Representatives
Tim Wilson has reportedly been engaged to Ryan Bolger for nine years.
'This means everything': Massive celebrations as Australians vote for same-sex marriage
61% of Australians have voted in favour of same-sex marriage.
An Irish woman in a same-sex marriage has two little girls - but only one can get an Irish passport
It’s down to what’s written on their birth certs.
Former Australian leader 'headbutted' on heated same-sex marriage campaign trail
Former prime minister Tony Abbott is a prominent opponent of the campaign for same-sex marriage in Australia.
Wallabies star Folau 'respects all people' but 'will not support' same-sex marriage
Australia star Israel Folau’s refusal to support gay marriage led to a mixed reaction from the public on social media.
Australia is voting on same-sex marriage - but it's not as straightforward as our referendum
There’s support for a change – but the process begins with a non-binding postal vote.
Northern Ireland's ban on same-sex marriage does NOT breach human rights
A Belfast court made the ruling this afternoon.
An Australian MP caused major eye-rolls after suggesting that people in same-sex marriages are just 'mates'
It really raises the question of whether same-sex marriage referendums are ethical.
Varadkar says it's 'only a matter of time' before North legalises same-sex marriage
The Taoiseach made the comments at a gay pride event in Belfast today.
Malta votes to legalise same-sex marriage
Malta, the EU’s smallest nation, becomes the bloc’s 15th member to legalise same-sex unions.
Arlene Foster's letter to Scottish government about same-sex marriage released
Last week Foster said she had no recollection of the letter.
Taiwan to become first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage
“I’m leaping with joy like a bird,” one person said. Activists have fought for almost 30 years for gay marriage equality.
