Thailand signs same-sex marriage bill into law; 5 countries that have legalised queer weddings

As of today, same-sex marriage has become a legal right in many countries worldwide, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Other than the usual first-world countries, here are five countries you might not have known that have legalised same-sex marriages:

1. South Africa (2006)

South Africa made history in 2006 by becoming the first and only African nation to legalise same-sex marriage. The country’s Constitution, one of the most progressive in the world, explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, making the legalisation of same-sex marriage a natural progression in its commitment to human rights.

2. Argentina (2010)

Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. The landmark decision allowed same-sex couples to marry and enjoy full spousal rights, including adoption and inheritance rights, setting the stage for other Latin American nations to follow.

As more countries follow this path, the hope is that marriage equality will eventually be recognised worldwide, ensuring that love is treated with the same respect and legality everywhere. (Representational image)

3. Germany (2017)

Germany legalised same-sex marriage in 2017 after a vote in the Bundestag. The change replaced civil partnerships with full marriage rights for same-sex couples, allowing them to marry and adopt children. Germany’s shift marked a significant moment in LGBTQ+ rights for the country.

4. Taiwan (2019)

In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. This decision followed years of activism and court battles, and Taiwan’s progressive stance has made it a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

5. Mexico (2022)

Mexico’s path to marriage equality has been gradual, with individual states legalising same-sex marriage over the years. However, as of 2022, all Mexican states now recognize same-sex marriages, making the country a key example of progress in Latin America.

With Thailand now on the list of countries that recognise same-sex marriage, the global movement towards marriage equality continues to gain momentum. As more countries follow this path, the hope is that marriage equality will eventually be recognised worldwide, ensuring that love is treated with the same respect and legality everywhere.

From the homepage

In Bihar poll results tomorrow, 3 pillars of NDA’s hopes: Nitish, Mahila vote, social arithmetic edge

Mahagathbandhan’s calculation: Caste maths, with Tejashwi as a plus

How Japan shrugged off its Rare Earths dependency on China