Timeline of Legalization and Acceptance of Same-Sex Marriage in Society Around The World
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1970
In May of 1970, two Minnesota men, Richard Baker and James McConnell, apply for a marriage license in Hennipen County District. They are denied their application on grounds that they are both men. The men sued in trial court where their suit failed. They appealed to the state supreme court, which also failed. -
1973
Maryland statutorily bans same-sex marriage, becoming the first US state to do so. In the next 20 years many other states follow suit, to the point where a majority of states have enacted a ban. -
1979
In June of 1979, the Netherlands implements the "Unregistered Cohabitation" plan as it applies to civil status for rent law. This is the first country in the world where same-sex couples are able to apply for limited rights. -
1984
The city of Berkeley becomes the first to pass a policy for "domestic partners" for city employees. Tom Brougham, a city employee coins the term "Domestic Partner" to help create the concept. This will become the pattern for all other similar policies in California and elsewhere. -
1989
Denmark passes a bill that legalizes "registered partnerships". This makes it the first country in the world that recognizes same-sex unions. -
1993
In April of 1993, Norway mandates a registered partnership bill and becomes the second country in the world to give legal recognition to same-sex couples. -
1995
A recorded case of a legally legitimate same-sex marriage occurs in Cambodia, when Khav Sokha and Pum Eth are married in Kandal Province. -
1996
Greenland and Iceland both approve registered partnerships. Bill Clinton signs a law banning the Federal Government from recognizing same-sex unions. -
1997
The Netherlands pass their own registered partnerships bill to follow suit with the limited number of other countries that have done so to date. -
2001
The Netherlands signs into law the first same-sex marriage bill in the world. The bill was signed in by Queen Beatrix and came into effect on April 1, 2001 -
2001
Germany legalizes what they refer to as "Life "partnerships". As more countries have similar bills on record, a clear turning of public perception towards acceptance can be seen. -
2003
The court of appeals in Canada legalizes same-sex marriage in Ontario. This becomes the first jurisdiction in the Americas to have legal same-sex marriage. -
2004
The US state of Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage. It is the first state to do so. -
2005
Canada becomes the fourth country in the world, and first in the Americas to allow same-sex marriage after parliament makes it legal. It came into effect on July 20th. -
2008
California becomes the first state to allow same-sex marriage after their supreme court legalizes it. It came into effect on the 16th of June of that year. -
2010
Argentina becomes the first country in South America, and second in the Americas to legalize same-sex marriage as President Cristina Fernandez signs the bill into law. The country's first same-sex marriage takes place on the 30th of July. -
2013
Queen Elizabeth II gives royal assent to legalizing same-sex marriage in England and Wales. -
2017
Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Germany (October), and Australia (December).