Same-sex marriage facts for kids
Same-sex marriage is when two people of the same sex get married. This means they live together as a family. Their marriage can be recognized by the government, by society, or by a religion. Some people also call it marriage equality. This term is often used by those who support it.
Where Same-Sex Marriage is Legal
Same-sex marriage is now legal in many countries around the world. This means that same-sex couples can get married under the country's civil law.
As of today, these countries allow same-sex marriage everywhere:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Colombia
- Denmark (including Greenland)
- Finland
- France
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
The Netherlands was the first country to make same-sex marriage legal in 2001.
In the United States, same-sex marriage became legal across the entire country in 2015. The Supreme Court, which is the highest court, decided that it was against the country's rules (unconstitutional) to stop same-sex couples from marrying. In Mexico, same-sex marriages are legal in Mexico City and 12 states. However, these marriages are recognized throughout all of Mexico.
Images for kids
-
Two men marry, surrounded by wedding party, in New Orleans, United States on 11 November 2017
-
Many people who support same-sex marriage, like this protester in New York City in 2008, believe that civil unions are not as good as full marriage.
-
A lesbian couple with their children
-
A male couple with a child at a parade
See also
In Spanish: Matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo para niños
