Updates on the fight for marriage equality around the globe
One step closer to marriage equality: Japan court rules that ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
In a long-awaited step toward marriage equality in Japan, the Nagoya District Court ruled on Tuesday, May 30, that the government’s policy prohibiting same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
European rights court finds Romania in violation of LGBTQ+ rights and orders legal protections for same-sex couples
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled Tuesday, May 23, that Romania has violated Article 8 of the European Convention, which protects the right to respect for family life, by not legally recognizing same-sex marriages and by not giving LGBTQ+ couples any means of legally safeguarding their relationships. With this ruling, the ECHR issued an order for Romania to enshrine legal protections for same-sex couples.
Namibia Supreme Court orders government recognition of same-sex marriages from other countries
In a landmark ruling, Namibia’s Supreme Court dictated Tuesday, May 16, that the government must recognize same-sex marriages contracted abroad between Namibian citizens and their non-citizen spouses. Notably, the nation has yet to codify protections for legally recognizing same-sex marriages taking place within the country’s borders and between two Namibian citizens.
Marriage equality in India remains in limbo as oral arguments conclude in Supreme Court
The five-judge court panel concluded the session by reserving their verdict on the marriage equality petition. In anticipation of the Indian Supreme Court’s upcoming judgment, here’s a recap of what you need to know about the arguments.
The Supreme Court’s latest LGBTQ+ rights case: what to know about 303 Creative v. Elenis
303 Creative v. Elenis came to the Supreme Court from the 10th Circuit Appellate Court and was argued before the bench in the October 2022-2023 term. With the court expected to issue its ruling in June 2023, here is what you need to know about the case.
Nepal Supreme Court orders legal recognition of a same-sex marriage
The Supreme Court of Nepal has ruled that the government must recognize the same-sex foreign spouse of a Nepali citizen, Human Rights Watch reports. In light of the marriage equality case currently being fought in India’s Supreme Court and the push to legalize LGBTQ+ marriage in Japan, the ruling in Nepal is a signifier of change to come for marriage equality in Asia.
Progress toward marriage equality in Asia as both Japan and India reach pivotal moments for LGBTQ+ rights
The fight for marriage equality in Asia marches on this week, as the Indian Supreme Court enters its fifth day of hearings on same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ+ activists in Japan continue pushing for marriage equality as the nation prepares to host the Group of 7 (G7) summit in May.
A historic case for marriage equality in India begins
The Indian Supreme Court’s hearing into a number of petitions seeking marriage equality for same-sex couples has entered its second day on Wednesday, April 19. With the eyes of the world on this case, the hearings are being live-streamed globally.
Pennsylvania state legislators introduce bipartisan marriage equality bill
Marriage equality in Pennsylvania could be receiving reinforced protections in the coming months, thanks to a bipartisan bill introduced the week of April 10.
Ahead of the G7 summit, Japan faces pressure to finally embrace marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples
This reinvigorated push for marriage equality has been thrust into the spotlight after several incidents that highlighted the nation’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Marriage equality in India is about to see a landmark case
The decades-long fight for marriage equality in India still marches on. In a landmark case, the Indian Supreme Court is set to meet April 18, when they will decide on the issue of legally recognizing same-sex marriage.
We need to talk about the future of marriage equality in Tennessee
Marriage equality is under attack in Tennessee. On Monday, March 6, the state’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 878, a bill including an amendment that would allow county clerks to deny marriage licenses to LGBTQ+, interfaith or interracial couples in Tennessee.
Marriage equality in Mexico is here to stay
In October 2022, the federal government declared legal marriage equality for same-sex couples, regardless of the state they live in. The decision came more than a decade after same-sex marriage was first legalized by the legislative assembly in Mexico City.
The Church of England’s recent vote to bless (but not marry) LGBTQ+ couples won’t erase its legacy of homophobia and racism
Earlier this month, the Church of England voted to offer blessings to same-sex couples. But no amount of political posturing will take away from the fact that its very existence, as it stands, cannot coexist with truly affirming LGBTQ+ practices.
South Korea court recognizes equal benefits for married LGBTQ+ couples for the first time
A South Korean appellate court has recognized the rights of a same-sex couple in the country for the first time. In a landmark case, the Seoul high court ruled that the plaintiff and his husband were entitled to the same health insurance rights as different-sex couples.
The 19th Explains: Why the Respect for Marriage Act doesn’t codify same-sex marriage rights
The U.S. House approved legislation Thursday to shore up marriage rights for LGBTQ+ couples. The Respect for Marriage Act has been hailed by lawmakers as a landmark law that will protect queer Americans for generations to come.
