Although known for being countries with strong cultural ties to religious conservatism, as times have progressed so have the judicial rights for some of the LGBTQ communities that live in the Americas. Whilst a slow and difficult fight, marriage equality for same-sex couples has now been secured through different legislative efforts across several American countries. In celebration of pride month we’ve decided to list them below.
Argentina
The country that birthed tango and that is known for its strong European influence, legalized same-sex marriage on July 22, 2010. This means that Argentinian couples were granted marriage equality 3 years prior to their U.K. counterparts.
Brazil
The second country in Latin America to legalize Gay marriage was Brazil, which may not come to a surprise as it is famous for being a prime destination for Gay travelers. Same-sex marriages have been legal in Brazil since May 16, 2013.
Canada
The northern giant has been a trailblazer in this fight by being the first non-european country and the fourth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage on July 20, 2005.
Chile
Same-sex marriages have been legal in Chile since December 9, 2021. Although the country has allowed civil unions between LGBTQ couples since 2015, the first same-sex marriage wasn’t officiated until March 10, 2022.
Colombia
While having recognized de facto unions for same-sex couples since 2007, the nation didn’t make marriage equality the law of the land until April 28, 2016. The country has since lifted restrictions on same-sex couples’ ability to adopt. Colombia’s efforts towards becoming more equal, along with it’s striking scenery and rich culture has made it an increasingly popular destination for Gay travelers.
Costa Rica
As a result of a ruling by the supreme court of justice, same-sex marriage has been legal in the country since May 26, 2020. Making Costa Rica the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage.
Ecuador
Ecuador became the fifth country in South America to legalize same-sex marriage on July 8, 2019. According to the Ecuadorian civil registry, 240 same-sex weddings were officiated in 2021.
Mexico
The terms surrounding marriage equality in Mexico is a bit more complicated compared to other countries as certain Mexican states allow same-sex marriages while others still refrain from issuing marriage licenses from same-sex couples. The Mexican supreme court ruled in June, 2015. that bans on same-sex marriages are unconstitutional and therefore all states must recognize same-sex marriages. It is estimated that 71% of Mexico’s population live in states that issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The United States
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize same-sex marriages in 2004 but it would take the country another 11 years to achieve marriage equality in all 50 states. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015. In an estimate from 2019 the U.S. census reported that there were 543,000 couples in same-sex marriages in the country.
Uruguay
On August 5, 2013. The Uruguayan government legalized same-sex marriage, making it the third country in South America to do so and the fourteenth worldwide.