Where else can same-sex couples say "I do"? Here's a big list of countries and why the Czech Republic is still hesitant
When in 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to open marriage to same-sex couples, it was a step that seemed like a bold experiment at the time. More than twenty years later, it turns out to have been the start of a revolution that changed the map of human rights. Today, two men or two women can say 'I do' in 38 countries around the world - from Argentina to Germany to Greece.
From ancient unions to modern marriages
The idea that the love of two people of the same sex should be legally recognised is not new. Historical sources speak of unions between men in ancient Rome or of marriage-like ceremonies in China and some indigenous cultures. But the modern era of marriage for all began in the Netherlands.
Since then, other countries have gradually joined in: Belgium (2003), Canada (2005), Spain (2005) and South Africa (2006), which was the first African country to break the taboo. A symbolic milestone was reached in 2015 when, thanks to a Supreme Court decision, marriage was opened up to all in the United States.
Europe as a leader, Latin America as a surprise
European countries have led the way in expanding marriage for all - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Germany and Ireland, where the fate of equality was decided in a national referendum. But Latin America was also a surprising pioneer: Argentina was the first country in the region (2010), followed by Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico. In 2019, Taiwan joined the ranks as Asia's first country.
In the last two years alone, the map has grown to include Switzerland, Slovenia, Cuba, Andorra, Estonia and Greece. And in 2025, Liechtenstein will be added. The trend is clear - rather than asking whether marriage for all will happen anywhere, the world is waiting to see where the next ban will fall and when the next "yes" will come.
Czech Republic: time to stop waiting
While our neighbours - Germany, Austria or Slovenia - have already opened up the freedom to marry to all, the Czech Republic is still lagging behind. Yet surveys have long shown that a majority of Czech society would support marriage for all.
The amendment of the partnership is not enough
On 1 January 2025 , an amendment came into force, replacing the existing registered partnership with the new institution of civil partnership. It brought major changes - from a simpler process of entering into a union to the possibility of choosing a common surname already during the ceremony. This is a step forward and undoubtedly an important development for the lives of same-sex couples. But it is still not full equality with marriage. It still lacks the possibility of joint adoption of children and a clear message that the state takes all love equally seriously. If the Czech Republic is to truly stand on the side of equality, marriage for all is the logical next step.
The world has shown the way
Marriage for all is not an experiment. It is a proven standard that has worked from the Netherlands to Canada to Greece. And none of these countries have gone back to the previous status quo. On the contrary, society has proved to be more open, fairer and more tolerant as a result of greater equality.
So perhaps it is time to ask a simple question: if it works in 38 countries around the world, why shouldn't it work here?
