The same-sex marriages

States and Countries where you can be registered legally

The problem of marriage is on the top of the matters which homosexual communities try to settle all over the world. Gaining the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexuals is very important for those, who want to be an equal part of society.
Some countries have managed to legalize the same-sex marriages. But there is the rub: the rights and responsibilities which the couple gets are legal only for the residents of the particular country and do not have any power beyond its border.
There are several versions of legal marriage in some countries. Such forms of alliances are called partnership, <>bdomestic partnership agreements or civil unions. These give only the part of rights and protection for married couples. Homosexual couples which register in this way usually do not have marriage license.

The United States of America

Massachusetts is the only state where homosexuals can be legally married. But only residents of
Massachusetts have this right. The marriage certificate and protection are not recognized by other states.

San Francisco California pretended to be claimed the state which has the power to legalize the same-sex weddings. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon were the first who registered their relationship in California. They got married in 2004 after 51 years of being together. Unfortunately, in the same year California lost this privilege according to Supreme Court decision. All the marriages registered in California were annulled. Today homosexual couples can fix their relationship in form of domestic partnership only.

The same situation was in Oregon. About 3000 couples lost their marriage rights. All the same-sex couples. licenses were declared invalid. Now only civil unions are allowed for gays and lesbians.

Canada
Canada is the best place for gays and lesbians couples. Since June 2005 all homosexual couples could be legally registered in any place of Canada. They get the same rights as heterosexuals. They are considered to be next of the kin and to have all the rights and responsibilities that should be respected and performed.

Europe
Holland being popular for its freedom also registers the same-sex couples. For those, who do not pretend to be legally registered, it offers partnership rights. Spain and Belgium also give the same rights to hetero and homosexual couples.But even in these countries the discrimination because of sexual orientation exists. For example, couples married in Belgium are not allowed to adopt children.

This was the list of countries, where homosexual couples can be registered officially. But if you live in some other country and dont want to move, you can get the part of rights by getting civil unions. Here is the list of countries which allow civil unions or domestic partnership.




United States

Except abovementioned California and Oregon, Vermont is a popular American state, where homosexuals can legally benefit of their rights. Couples married in this state have all the rights and responsibilities, but they dont have a marriage license.
Good news is that since October 2005 one more state is open for homosexual couples. Connecticut gives them an opportunity to join Civil Union and this way to be protected.

Europe
Many developed European countries recognize any kind of partnership for gays and lesbians.
Portugal, Denmark, Germany and France offer some rights and responsibilities such as social securities, inheritance, rights of next of kin and tax benefits.
Some of these countries give more rights, the others only several ones. For example, couples registered in Sweden get all the marriage rights and are allowed to adopt children. This right is very important for those, who want to create a full family.
Since autumn 2005 same-sex couples will be able to register civil unions in the United Kingdom as well. They will get the rights of inheritance, life insurance, and accident compensation, different kinds of support and tax benefits.

Other countries
Israel
In 2004 Israel declared that homosexual couples that are residents of this country will get limited rights.

New Zealand
As Israel New Zealand also claimed that the same-sex couples would be able to get their civil unions since December 2004. They can be considered the next of kin from the moment of their registration.

South Africa
In November 2004 the definition of marriage was amended by the Supreme Court. They changed it from union of a man and a woman to union of two persons. It was made after lesbians applied for equal rights to Supreme Court. The Sough Africa Constitution is one of the most liberal in the world. Thats way all progressive changes dont pass by this place.


As you can see, there are places where homosexual couples can be happy. All the changes in these countries have taken place recently, after a long fight for equal rights. Being a lesbian , you are already considered to be the part of homosexual community. Every person should have the same rights and responsibilities. In spite of social homophobia, essential changes are observed all over the world. May be these changes will touch you country in no time, and youll be able to live freely and happily. Dont give up and use each day to enjoy your live and love!