What countries recognize same-sex unions?

Answer 1

Currently, these countries permit same-sex couples to marry nationwide (in chronological order):

1. Netherlands (April 21, 2001);
2. Belgium (June 1, 2003);
3. Spain (July 3, 2005);
4. Canada (nationwide July 20, 2005, although some provinces started earlier);
5. South Africa (November 30, 2006);
6. Norway (January 1, 2009);
7. Sweden (May 1, 2009);
8. Portugal (June 5, 2010);
9. Iceland (June 22, 2010);
10. Argentina (July 22, 2010); and,
11. Denmark (June 15, 2012).

Currently, these countries recognize same-sex marriage performed elsewhere (in chronological order):

1. Israel (November 21, 2006);
2. Aruba, marriages performed in the Netherlands only (April 21, 2010);
3. Curacao, marriages performed in the Netherlands only (April 21, 2010);
4. Sint Maarten, marriages performed in the Netherlands only (April 21, 2010); and,
5. Mexico (nationwide August 10, 2010); and,
6. Brazil (nationwide June 27, 2011).

Currently, these countries recognize civil partnerships:

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Brazil
4. Colombia
5. Czech Republic
6. Ecuador
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Greenland
11. Hungary
12. Ireland
13. Isle of Man
14. Jersey
15. Liechtenstein
16. Luxembourg
17. New Zealand
18. Slovenia
19. Switzerland
20. United Kingdom
21. Uruguay

Answer 2

Countries provide legal recognition to same-sex marriage by either enacting national laws that explicitly state so, amending their constitutions to guarantee same-sex marriage rights, or by court decision establishing legal precedent that same-sex marriages are recognized.