Awaiting the stamp of approval

Homosexuals the world over have been fighting for their rights, but only a handful of nations recognise same-sex marriages

Only two states—Massachusetts and Connecticut—recognise same-sex marriages, while states like New Jersey, Vermont and New Hampshire recognise same-sex civil unions. In May 2008, California lifted the ban on gay marriages, but Proposition 8 was introduced in November to strike down the law, leading to protests by gay rights activists. California voted in favour of the amendment. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled last month that there was no reason not to recognise same-sex marriages. Last week, same-sex couples in Connecticut exchanged vows for the first time.

India

In June 2008, gays and lesbians in Bangalore, New Delhi and Kolkata came out in the streets to declare their sexuality for the first time. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which dates back to the 19th century, criminalises homosexuality. The activist group Naz Foundation has challenged arrests made under Section 377 before the Delhi High Court.

Canada

The Canadian Parliament enacted a law legalising same-sex marriages in June 2005, after the Supreme Court of Canada said, in December 2004, that proposed legislation extending marriage to same-sex couples is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Civil partnerships are recognised, with the same legal rights as in a marriage, such as tax exemptions, joint property rights and shared parenting responsibilities. The Civil Partnerships Act was brought into effect in 2005 and 15,000 partnerships were registered in the first nine months.

Spain

In 2005, Spain became only the third member of the European Union, after Belgium and the Netherlands, to allow same-sex marriages in the face of opposition from the Roman Catholic Church. A newly-released biography of Queen Sofia quotes her as opposing the use of the word ‘marriage’ for same-sex unions, making her the subject of gay activists’ ire. “I can understand, accept and respect that there are people of other sexual tendencies, but should they be proud to be gay? Should they ride on a parade float and come out in protests?” the book by journalist Pilar Urbano quotes her as saying.

Portugal

Bills introduced by opposition parties to legalise same-sex marriage were rejected by the Portuguese Parliament. During the vote, gay rights groups staged “weddings”, attracting media attention. The ruling Socialist party said there must be a national debate on the matter before a law can be passed.

France

Story continues below this ad

Civil unions under the pacte civil de solidarité are recognised. France also recognises same-sex marriages conducted abroad legally, after a couple who married in Netherlands sought official recognition of their marriage in France earlier this year. In the 2007 presidential elections, Socialist Party candidate Segolene Royal supported introduction of same-sex marriage legislation, while Conservative Nicholas Sarkozy, who won the election, opposed it.

Norway and South Africa allow same-sex marriages.

Several countries, such as Denmark, Germany and New Zealand, recognise same-sex civil unions and registered partnerships.