Many modern couples are happy to simply remain together and are not concerned with the legalities of marriage. This is a choice they are entitled to make, and if the couple should ever split legal rights would be determined by common law marriage. For other couples though, the significance of being legally married carries great importance. For gay couples the struggle to have their marriages recognized is an on-going one in most countries.
Same sex marriages are only recognised in seven countries in the world and in some states of the United States. The Netherlands were the first to legalise same sex marriage, Canada was the fourth. Same sex marriage became legal in Canada on July 20, 2005. Other countries where same sex marriages are legal are: Belgium, Norway, and South Africa, Spain and Sweden. The states where it is legal in the US are Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont and California. California has been an interesting case study in being at times undecided on the issue.
In around 16 other countries gay couples are able to be civilly united, but not married. This means that marriage certificates are not made (or recognised) but public records would show a union. A few other countries recognise same sex marriage but do not allow the marriages to be performed there.
Many gay couples will move to an accepting country or state in order to be married. Others go ahead with planning a wedding, complete with wedding photographers and invitations even if their union is not recognised in their own country.
The decision can be a difficult one for many gay couples and is to a large extent bound by their determination to show their commitment to each other. While weddings are exciting for most couples, gay unions have this added stress if they do not live in a country that accepts them.
One of the most recent celebrated same sex weddings was that of famous chat show host “Ellen” Ellen DeGeneres married her long time girlfriend Portia de Rossi on 17 August 2008 at their Beverly Hills Mansion. The event was cheered on by millions of fans from their living rooms.
