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Same-sex marriage and civil union

What this indicator measures

Shows whether same-sex couples can marry, or can only enter a civil union, or whether the law provides nothing. “Prohibited” means that the law defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman, with no civil union.

How to read this?

From most open to most closed: legal marriage, civil union only, no legal provision, marriage defined as the union of a man and a woman.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Same-sex marriage and civil union: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Legal marriage : 38 ; Civil union only : 12 ; No legal provision : 45 ; Marriage defined as the union of a man and a woman : 98 ; Varies by region : 1.

Why this indicator matters

Legal recognition of same-sex couples touches on family rights, inheritance and social protection. Comparing this status shows how laws regulate these unions.

What makes this indicator vary

Laws evolve with social debates, court decisions, legal and religious traditions and regional texts. Many countries have gone through stages, such as a civil union before marriage.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes national law, not social acceptance or enforcement. Countries where the rules vary by region are classified separately. “No provision” does not mean a prohibition. Laws can change quickly.

Same-sex marriage and civil union

Legal marriage (38)

Civil union only (12)

No legal provision (45)

Marriage defined as the union of a man and a woman (98)

Varies by region (1)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Same-sex marriage and civil union" data come from?

It comes from Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What is the difference between marriage and civil union?

Marriage gives the full legal status provided by law. A civil union offers legal recognition, often with fewer rights or under a different name depending on the country.

Does “no legal provision” mean prohibited?

No. It means that the law provides nothing for these couples: neither marriage nor civil union. This is not the same as a definition of marriage reserved for a man and a woman.

Source and update

Source : Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : LGBTQ+ rights