Massachusetts becomes first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it was unconstitutional under the Massachusetts Constitution to allow only opposite-sex couples to marry.
Same-sex marriage
This archive tracks legal victories, policy shifts, and cultural milestones that have expanded marriage equality around the world. From landmark court rulings to legislative breakthroughs, these stories document real progress for LGBTQ+ couples and families.
Belgium becomes second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Belgium since 1 June 2003, making it the second country in the world to open marriage to same-sex couples, after the Netherlands, and 9 days ahead of the Canadian province of Ontario. Legislation to grant marriage rights to same-sex couples was passed by both chambers of the Federal Parliament in November 2002 and January 2003 with the support of most political parties, and received royal assent on 13 February 2003.
The Netherlands became the world’s first country to legalize same-sex marriage
No country recognized marriage between two people of the same sex prior to the 21st century, but a law to legalize marriage equality passed the Dutch legislature in 2000 and went into effect several months later.