From 2001 to today, we chart the story of same-sex marriage legislation across the globe.
In May, the Church of Scotland voted in favour of drafting a new church law allowing same-sex marriages. The new laws would give ministers the option of performing same-sex marriages. A fi nal vote is expected for 2021.
In June, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that EU member states should recognise same-sex marriages for the purpose of residency if at least one partner is an EU citizen. As a result, Slovakia announced that they will comply with this ruling, recognising gay marriages performed abroad, although the country itself does not have legislation for either same-sex marriage or civil partnership.
That same month, Bermuda took a wobbly step backwards, as a bill to ban same-sex marriage and establish domestic partnerships went into eff ect. Five days later the Supreme Court of Bermuda struck down the ban. A stay is implemented, allowing the Government time to respond and a hearing is scheduled for November 2018.
July saw the introduction of legislation in Jersey, making it the 26th jurisdiction in the world to allow same-sex marriage, while Cuba approved a draft constitution which recognises same-sex marriage, though the proposal will need to go to a referendum in 2019.
Here’s the story of gay marriage in the world so far…
2001: The Netherlands becomes the first country to legalise same-sex marriage
The legislation gave same-sex couples the right to marry, to divorce, and to adopt children. It requires either partner to have Dutch nationality or residency in the Netherlands.