First 10 countries in the world to allow same sex marriage

Same-sex marriage legal since June 1, 2003. Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation making same-sex marriage legal nationwide. In 2006, lawmakers defeated an effort by the ruling Conservative Party of Canada to reconsider the issue, leaving the law unchanged.

The first Spanish same-sex couple married in 2005 after the parliament passed a measure in the midst of large protests from Vatican officials and large demonstrations in Madrid.

South Africa was the first in Africa to legalize gay marriage in 2006, one year after their highest court decided heterosexual-only marriage policy violated the constitution’s equal rights guarantee.

Same-sex marriage is legal since June 5, 2010. Norway was the sixth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Sweden was the seventh country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The 2009 law allows gays and lesbians to marry in both religious and civil ceremonies, but it does not require clergy to officiate at such ceremonies.

In June 2010, Portugal became the eighth country to legalize same-sex marriage. Its parliament had passed the measure legalizing gay marriage earlier in 2010. (Photo | AP)

In June 2012, Denmark’s legislature passed a bill legalizing gay marriage. The measure was enacted into law a few days later when Queen Margrethe II gave her royal assent to the bill. (Photo | AP)

Argentina was the first country in Latin America and the 10th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage nationwide. In July 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage.

The newbie country which joined the list is Australia. Australians voted decisively in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry, sparking joyous celebrations on 15th November, 2017 across the country even though the change must still be enshrined in law. (Photo | AP)