WEB CHUTNEY

Recently, an Indian mother put up a matrimonial ad for her son seeking a suitable boy. But being gay and engaging in homosexual relations is punishable by law in India. Just like it’s punishable in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia, Jamaica and 75 other countries.

In total, there are at least 80 countries where gay marriage and gay relationships are illegal. On the other hand there are 17 countries where gay marriages are legal in all the states. Those countries are:

1. Argentina

Argentina was the first country in Latin America, and the second in the Americas to allow same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages have been legal here since July 22, 2010.

2. Netherlands

In April 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

3. South Africa

On November 2006, the National Assembly passed a law allowing same-sex couples to legally marry making it the first country in the southern hemisphere to legalise gay marriage and the second outside Europe.

4. Belgium

In June 2003, following the Netherlands’ example, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

5. Finland

A bill legalising same-sex marriage in Finland was approved by the parliament on December 12, 2024 and signed by the President on February 20, 2015, but the law will go into effect in March of 2017.

6. New Zealand

A bill for legalisation was passed by the New Zealand House of Representatives on April 17, 2013, by 77 votes to 44, and received Royal Assent on April 19, 2013. It was implemented four months after assent.

7. Spain

Spain is the third country in the world to legalise gay marriage and it did so on July 3, 2005.

8. Brazil

Same-sex unions have been legally recognised in Brazil since 2004. Since 2013 same-sex couples enjoy the provisions of several constitutional principles and the absence of any kind of prohibitive legislation.

9. France

France is the thirteenth country to legalise same-sex marriages it was legalised on May 18, 2013.

10. Norway

Norway became the first Scandinavian country, and the sixth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage which became legal in January 2009.

11. Sweden

Same-sex marriage in Sweden has been legal since May 1, 2009, following the adoption of a new, gender-neutral law on marriage by the Swedish parliament. This makes Sweden the seventh country in the world to open marriage to same-sex couples nationwide.

12. Canada

On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, and the first country outside Europe, to legalise same-sex marriage.

13. Iceland

Iceland is the ninth country to legalise gay marriage and has been legal since June 27, 2010.

14. Portugal

Portugal is the sixth European country to legalise gay marriage and the eighth in the world. The bill was passed in 2009 and has been legal since June 5, 2010.

15. Uruguay

Same-sex marriage became legal in Uruguay on August 5, 2013.

16. Denmark

The 11th country to recognise same sex marriage was Denmark. They were previously recognised through registered partnerships, but it became legal on June 15, 2012.

17. Luxembourg

Same-sex marriage became legal in Luxembourg on January 2015. The bill for legalisation was enacted by the Chamber of Deputies on June 18, 2014. Partnerships have also been available since 2004.

Love knows no boundaries!