Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage or equal
marriage, is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or gender
identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as
marriage equality, particularly by supporters.
Since 2001, eleven countries (Argentina, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden)
and several sub-national jurisdictions (parts of Brazil, Mexico and the United
States) allow same-sex couples to marry. Bills legalizing same-sex marriage
have been proposed, are pending, or have passed at least one legislative house
in Andorra, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Nepal, New Zealand,
Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay as well as in the legislatures of
several sub-national jurisdictions (in Scotland as well as parts of Australia,
Mexico, and the United States).
Introduction of same-sex marriage has varied by jurisdiction,
being variously accomplished through a legislative change to marriage laws, a
court ruling based on constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct
popular vote (via a ballot initiative or a referendum). The recognition of
same-sex marriage is a political, social, civil-rights and religious issue in
many nations, and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples
should be allowed marriage, be required to hold a different status (a civil
union), or be denied recognition of such rights. Allowing same-gender couples
to legally marry is considered to be one of the most important of all LGBT
rights.
Same-sex marriages can be performed in a secular civil
ceremony or in a religious setting. Various religious groups around the world
conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies; for example: Quakers, Episcopalians, the
Metropolitan Community Church, the United Church of Christ, the United Church
of Canada, Reform and Conservative Jews, Wiccans, Druids, Unitarian
Universalists and Native American religions with a two-spirit tradition.
Studies conducted in several countries indicate that support
for the legalization of same-sex marriage increases with higher levels of
education and that support is strong among younger people. Additionally, polls
show that there is rising support for same-sex marriage globally across all
races, ethnicities, ages, religions, political affiliations, socioeconomic
statuses, etc
