Same-sex marriage continues to expand around the world, with several countries passing laws or court rulings in the last two years. These changes reflect steady progress, particularly in Europe and, more recently, Asia. Here’s a look at the most recent nations to join the list, with dates when the laws took effect.
Marriage equality newcomers
Estonia
Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to legalize same-sex marriage after its parliament voted in June 2023. The law went into effect on January 1, 2024.
Greece
On February 16, 2024, Greece’s parliament passed a bill opening marriage to same-sex couples. The move was historic as Greece became the first Orthodox Christian-majority country to do so.
Liechtenstein
The tiny principality of Liechtenstein legalized registered partnerships for same-sex couples back in 2011. 14 years later, same-sex marriage became legal when its law took effect on January 1, 2025, after parliamentary approval in May 2024.
Thailand
After 20 years of advocacy from activists and several delays, Thailand legalized same-sex marriage. The law officially began on January 23, 2025, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country and only the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow marriage equality.
Cuba
In September 2022, Cubans voted on a new family code that included marriage equality. Nearly 67 percent supported the change, and by the end of the year same-sex couples could legally marry and adopt. It marked a major shift for LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean.
Slovenia
Slovenia’s Constitutional Court ruled in July 2022 that banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Parliament followed with legislation that fall, making Slovenia the first post-communist country in Eastern Europe to open marriage to all couples.
Andorra
This small nation between France and Spain had been supportive of LGBTQ+ legal partnerships since 2005. However, in 2023, Andorra updated its family law to replace civil unions with full marriage rights for same-sex couples. The move brought the small European country in line with many of its neighbors. A year later, Andorran Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora came out as gay in a radio interview.
Mexico
Mexico completed its long road to marriage equality in 2022, when the last state approved same-sex marriage. The process started back in 2010 with a court ruling in Mexico City and slowly expanded until all 32 states recognized marriage rights nationwide.
Global context
As of early 2025, 38 countries recognize same-sex marriage, with most concentrated in Europe and the Americas. The newest additions show cultural diversity and momentum, stretching from the Baltics to Southeast Asia.
Marriage equality is far from universal, but the past few years underline how quickly change is possible.