In the modern world, an increasing number of countries grant same-sex couples the right to official marriage. However, in Russia and a number of other states such marriages are not recognized. And in some states, homosexual relations are punishable by death. If the partners are determined to register their relationship, you can go to one of those countries where same-sex marriage is allowed.

Traditional and same-sex marriage

Such a concept as “marriage” arose back in the times of ancient states. But several thousand years ago, and today it means the voluntary unification of a man and a woman into one family. Marriage in the traditional sense is a union between persons of the opposite sex. It is concluded by their mutual desire to create a family. However, over the past few decades this concept has undergone changes. This primarily affected European tolerant states. Not only heterosexual but also homosexual couples can now marry. In some countries they are also allowed to have children. This trend is also supported at the international level. However, not all states, due to their religious and cultural traditions, are ready for such changes.

International regulation and legalization

An interesting fact is that not so long ago homosexuality was considered a disease by the World Health Organization. But since 1990, it has been removed from the list of globally recognized diseases. This was done in favor of the emerging policy of total protection of equality, including for adherents of same-sex love.

The main role in the legalization of relations of sexual minorities was played by the Cairo International Conference of the United Nations on Population and Development in 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the Cairo Conference). Its program formulated principles in the field of human rights and freedoms. One of them proclaimed the right to choose any sexual partner and enter into any union. Human freedom began to be interpreted even more broadly. The equality of all is proclaimed regardless of race, skin color, gender, religion and sexual orientation. The development of these principles has led to many countries officially recognizing and/or allowing such unions.

At the international level, since 2003, even a day against homophobia has been celebrated (May 17). And 2011 was marked by the adoption of a UN resolution prohibiting any discrimination against homosexuals.

Video: Gay rights around the world

Where can you get into a same-sex marriage?

The principles approved at the Cairo Conference were gradually developed in many countries. Since 2000, the process of legalizing homosexual unions began in a number of European countries. However, questions about the rights of sexual minorities, even in the most tolerant of them, cause controversy in society.

Some countries recognize such connections, but do not officially register them. Others both recognize and register same-sex unions. Still others register them in other forms, recognizing marriages concluded in other countries. There are those who prohibit them and even punish them with death.

List of countries where same-sex marriage is legal

Among the most loyal states that have confirmed the legalization (that is, legality) of same-sex marriages are:

• Netherlands (2001);
• Belgium (2003);
• Spain, Canada (2005);
• South Africa (2006);
• Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland (2009);
• Argentina (2010);
• Denmark (2012);
• Brazil, Uruguay, France, New Zealand (2013);
• Luxembourg, USA, Ireland (2015);
• Columbia (2016);
• Finland (2017).

The possibility of registering non-traditional marriage unions is currently available in twenty countries. In Mexico and Great Britain, such marriages are not legalized in all parts (states). In some states, unions of non-traditional couples have a status other than marriage, namely a registered civil partnership. Such rules apply in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Estonia, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Slovenia, and Italy.

Does Russian family law allow registration of homosexual couples?

Russia is not one of the countries that advocates the legalization of same-sex love. The legislation does not contain a direct ban on such unions. As well as regulations that infringe on the rights of sexual minorities. But current legislation does not provide the right to non-traditional couples to legalize their relationship.

The country's Family Code (RF FC) contains the traditional definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman (Article 12). At the same time, homosexuality is not listed among the circumstances that make marriage impossible (Article 14 of the RF IC). However, same-sex couples in Russia will not be able to be adoptive parents of children. The law provides for a direct ban on this (clause 13 of article 127 of the RF IC).

Homosexual unions (marriages) concluded in other countries are not recognized in our country. In addition, Russia is not a party to international agreements on the legalization of non-traditional marriages. Based on this, we can conclude that the attitude towards marriage of homosexual couples in Russia will not change in the near future.

Video: why Russia won’t legalize gay marriage

Position of Russian society

The state has been concerned about the demographic situation for several years now and is taking measures to increase the birth rate. And people brought up under the influence of cultural and religious traditions are not nearly as tolerant in this matter as Europeans. Especially the generation that grew up during the Soviet Union. Young people look at homosexuality more simply. Some support gay rights, others are neutral. However, the majority still have a negative attitude towards same-sex unions. International principles established in relation to same-sex marriage are alien to Russian society. According to the results of surveys conducted over the years, only 4 to 30% of citizens expressed their agreement with homosexual marriage. At the state level, society instills ideas of the value of family, motherhood, childhood and traditional relationships.

Video: Should same-sex marriage be legalized? (survey of residents of Russia and Ukraine)

Which countries prohibit same-sex unions?

In contrast to those countries where the full legalization of homosexual marriages has been introduced, there are states that insist on banning them. Some of them provide for severe punishment, including the death penalty, for any homosexual relations. For the most part, these include countries with strong religious traditions. These are eastern and African states, countries of Asia and Latin America, Oceania.

Homosexuals are subject to serious criminal prosecution in the following countries:

• Saudi Arabia;
• Sudan;
• Iran;
• Pakistan;
• Malaysia;
• Tanzania;
• Barbados.

There is no consensus in the world community regarding homosexual marriages. Most European countries allow their detention, citing equality regardless of orientation. There are more than two hundred countries in the world, and only twenty of them have so far officially recognized the legality of same-sex unions. The rest are either loyal, neutral, or openly opposed. Some countries that share European values ​​will apparently also legalize such unions in the near future. However, in states with strong religious traditions, this issue will not be resolved positively soon.

The honeymoon is the final chord of the wedding celebration and the initial chord of further family life. That’s why it’s so important that it sounds without a single flaw.

In principle, it doesn’t matter where you go to enjoy your honeymoon: on the ocean shore or in an ancient European city, in the mountains or on a desert safari. The main thing is that you two are together. In fact, it is not at all necessary that the honeymoon will take place immediately after the wedding. You can have a honeymoon on the 1st, 15th, or any other anniversary of your love relationship.

Today, lovers can be offered a huge selection of wedding tours. You can go anywhere - from the desert to the polar ice caps. If you wish, you can register your marriage in another country or even get married abroad. There are many beautiful Orthodox cathedrals abroad where wedding ceremonies are held. For example, in Jerusalem there is the Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Mission, in Venice there is a Greek Church, in Paris there is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. And for those who go on a foreign tour to plunge into the world of exoticism, you can hold a wedding according to the national customs of other peoples.

Isn't it true that your imagination paints a tempting picture? You can experiment as much as you like - the field for activity is the most extensive.
Modern Russian and international legislation provides citizens of our country with a wide range of opportunities on where and how to get married. Your registration will be considered official in almost all countries of the world.

However, it is worth remembering that paperwork for a wedding abroad will be a little more difficult than for a simple trip.

Wedding abroad

Where do our compatriots most often go to register their marriage? The first in the ranking are European countries - Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Italy and others. Wedding ceremonies here take place in ancient castles and estates.

In distant, distant times, only kings married here; more recently, the rich and famous; today, not everyone, but not a limited caste of people, can afford such a wedding.

Next in popularity are the beach resorts of exotic islands - Goa, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Seychelles, Fiji. The natural and climatic specifics of these countries have left their mark on wedding ceremonies held here. However, and this is important for newlyweds, love affairs on the beach are punished more severely here than in old Europe.

As a rule, a wedding takes place outdoors: on the beach or in a flowering garden. So heavenly emotions are guaranteed.

Another unexpected option is the USA. Indeed, this is quite a popular destination. And the first point here is Las Vegas, glorified in American films.

The ceremonies themselves are held here in special churches, and marriage registration is literally on stream. But this does not negate a certain romance and exoticism.

Honeymoon abroad

If your task is to choose a tour for a honeymoon without a wedding ceremony, then you should approach its choice no less responsibly. Such a trip is a memory for a married couple for life, a measure by which, many years later, they will be able to evaluate their feelings for each other.

Each couple has their own preferences: some like to lie on the beach, while others prefer to climb the mountains or wander through the streets of cities. The main thing is to choose something exclusive - something that, due to some circumstances, you most likely will not decide on later.

Most hotels in the world will offer you special conditions: either a luxurious decorated room for newlyweds, or discounts on hotel accommodation, or a special dinner, for example, on the ocean.

Love is an extremely contradictory feeling. There are people in the world who find themselves attracted to people not of the opposite sex, but of the same sex. Naturally, they would like recognition of their relationship by the state in the form of legal marriage. The phenomenon of same-sex unions goes against the natural course of things and in most cases causes disapproval from society.

About the problem in general terms

The phenomenon of homosexual relationships arose in ancient times. According to historical data, citizens of ancient Greece, Rome and China had the right to enter into same-sex marriages. These unions were no different from legalized relationships between opposite-sex spouses.

Now there are a number of reasons that determine a sharply negative attitude towards registered homosexual unions in society.

Here are some of them:

1. Traditionally, marriage relationships involve the participation of a man and a woman.
2. Historically, legal marriage between a man and a woman is aimed at procreation. The same cannot be said about same-sex relationships, which cannot lead to the birth of offspring due to known physiological reasons.
3. The family (in the generally accepted sense of the word) provides the most favorable opportunities for the growth and development of future generations.
4. Marital unions between same-sex partners have a detrimental effect on the moral and ethical foundations of society.
5. Changing existing marriage laws in favor of homosexuals will have devastating consequences (for example, there will be supporters of group marriage or polygamy who will also fight for their rights like gays).

Despite harsh criticism and censure from many politicians, priests, public figures and so on, there are countries where same-sex marriage is allowed.

Attitudes of different states towards homosexual marriages

Since the beginning of the 20th century, reforms to legalize same-sex relationships have begun in some European countries. And although in a number of states these unions are fully legalized, even in the most loyal of them there are active discussions on this issue.

So, let's look at the list of countries that allow same-sex marriage:

1. Netherlands.
2. Belgium.
3. Spain.
4. Canada.
5. Norway.
6. Sweden.
7. Portugal.
8. Iceland.
9. Argentina.
10. Denmark.
11. Brazil.
12. Uruguay.
13. France.
14. New Zealand.
15. Luxembourg.
16. Ireland.
17. America.
18. Colombia.
19. Finland.

In general, non-traditional marriages are registered in 20 states. In some countries (for example, England, Mexico), such unions are not legalized in all territorial units.

Same-sex marriages are not registered in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Estonia, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Slovenia, and Italy. Homosexual relationships in these states are formalized somewhat differently - in the form of a so-called civil partnership.

Civil union - what is it? The essence of the concept

This phenomenon is a legalized partnership, in many aspects close to marriage relations. Some countries that allow same-sex marriage legalize civil unions both between homosexuals and between people of different sexes. But this form of registered relationship is relative and in some cases implies restrictions on the rights of partners.

Those who support this type of legalized unions say that this form of partnership involves eliminating difficulties with visiting medical institutions, resolving inheritance issues and other problems that may arise for common-law spouses.

This type of partnership is certainly a practical method to guarantee homosexual couples their rights without unpleasant discussions and disputes regarding the church's understanding of such a thing as marriage. There is another type of legally recognized union - the household. It implies cohabitation and property rights, but does not imply the existence of serious obligations of partners towards each other.

Christianity and homosexual unions

From time immemorial, the Orthodox Church, as well as the Catholic Church, has strongly discouraged same-sex relationships. They were considered sinful, vicious and, according to the clergy, evidenced the decay of society. One must assume that the church and homosexuality are incompatible concepts. However, if you look at it, this is not so...

Catholicism had a negative attitude towards the sexual aspect of such relationships (such sexual desire was recommended to be hidden and suppressed), while platonic attraction was not sharply condemned. And although the pontiff refrained from commenting on the fact that same-sex marriage was legalized in America, he did not openly protest against the reform (despite his hidden dissatisfaction). Moreover, in states where same-sex marriage is legal, some clergy even approve of it.

Denominations that strongly criticize homosexuality

Orthodox priests still have an extremely negative attitude towards same-sex marriage. They consider homosexuality a grave sin that must be actively fought against. Our country is an Orthodox state, so the answer to the question of whether same-sex marriage is allowed in Russia still remains negative and will remain so for at least several more decades.

In a number of states, same-sex relationships are not only condemned, but also strictly punished by law. These are countries such as:

1. African states.
2. Countries of Asia and South America.
3. Oceania.
4. United Arab Emirates.
5. Sudan.
6. Iran.
7. Malaysia.
8. Pakistan.
9. Saudi Arabia.
10. Tanzania.
11. Barbados.

In these states, religion has a huge influence on the lives of citizens. It is worth noting that many of them are Muslim countries. Islam is a fairly strict religion with strong traditions and established foundations. Homosexual relations in Muslim countries are punishable by death.

The first countries to legalize same-sex marriage

Marriage in the generally accepted sense involves sexual relations between a man and a woman. Marriage is registered by the state in order to form a family as a unit of society with the possibility of giving birth and subsequent upbringing of offspring.

However, in recent years, the phenomenon of marriage has undergone significant reforms.

These changes primarily affected European countries - those countries where same-sex marriage is allowed at the moment.

If we talk about the history of such reforms, the first homosexual union was registered in Denmark in 1989, which entailed equal rights for same-sex and opposite-sex spouses. In 2001, a legal marriage of two women took place in the Netherlands. The legalization of same-sex marriage in this country implies the right of spouses to adopt children both in their own country and abroad.

European countries where the reform was adopted

Countries where homosexual relations are registered by the state include:

1. Canada (the first same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005). This country has a reputation for being the most tolerant of homosexuals. There are even entire gay communities in Canada.
2. Spain. Two years ago, this country celebrated a decade since the legalization of homosexual relations.
3. Belgium. Same-sex marriage has been legal in this state since 2003. Belgium and the Netherlands are among the first countries to pass same-sex reform.

Other states where same-sex marriage is legal

1. Republic of South Africa. Although the legalization of same-sex marriage in this state was a complex procedure, the reform was nevertheless adopted in 2006 (despite such problems as the high number of STDs among South African citizens and the significant influence of social traditions).
2. America. Two years ago, this state passed a law making it possible to register homosexual couples throughout the country.
3. Portugal. Despite the legalization of same-sex relationships in this state, such couples are prohibited from adopting children.
4. Norway (homosexual marriage legal since 2008). This is the first Scandinavian state where such changes were carried out.
5. Iceland. Same-sex relationships began to be registered here a little later - in 2010. The president of this country was gay, so the legalization of homosexual marriage was not particularly difficult.
6. Argentina. Same-sex relationships were first recorded here in the same year as in Iceland. And although clergy in this country oppose such a reform, the state provides homosexual spouses with the same rights as opposite-sex couples.
7. New Zealand (law came into force in 2013).
8. Uruguay (since August 2013, state laws have equalized the rights of homosexual and heterosexual couples).
9. Colombia (in this country, same-sex relationships can be considered legal if the partners have lived together for two years).

Adoption of children in homosexual families

Although this phenomenon has been approved by law in some countries, it still remains very controversial. Supporters of gay adoption rights rely on the following arguments:

Opponents of the law on the adoption of children by same-sex parents explain their negative attitude towards the phenomenon for the following reasons:

1. Children raised by homosexuals most often adhere to a non-traditional model of relationships in the family.
2. Such children may not be accepted into their society by their peers, they may be teased, they are subject to bullying and ridicule in the group.
3. They may become victims of sexual abuse from homosexual parents.

In some countries where gay and lesbian relationships are legal, there are restrictions regarding adopted children. For example, same-sex marriage in Germany involves the adoption by a partner only of his or her spouse’s natural child.

Attitude to the problem in our country

Is same-sex marriage allowed in Russia? Definitely not. And although the laws of our country do not provide for specific obstacles to the legalization of non-traditional relationships, the attitude of society and the state towards homosexual couples will not change in the near future. One of the reasons is the sharp rejection of same-sex relationships by the Orthodox Church and the peculiarities of the Russian mentality. Another is low birth rate. In Russia, the need to improve the demographic situation is growing more and more. In this regard, only the traditional form of marital relations is recognized - a union between a man and a woman, which involves procreation.

In addition, our state refuses to take part in any international discussions and debates dedicated to such problems and reforms. Homosexual marriages concluded in foreign countries are recognized as invalid in the Russian Federation. Citizens of Russia who have a non-traditional orientation and would like to legalize their relationship are better off moving to live in another country.

It is not known for certain when homosexuality arose. Probably, along with the advent of Homo Sapiens. In the process of development of civilization, the view of and attitude towards them in different countries has repeatedly changed.

There are diametrically opposed opinions in the world regarding same-sex love. In a number of European countries, society is very tolerant of this phenomenon, and it is permitted at the legislative level.

What is the legalization of same-sex marriage?

In modern society, most people adhere to traditional views on family values ​​and consider as the norm only a union between a man and a woman, aimed at prolonging the family line.

However, an increasing number of states are coming to the protection of people with non-traditional orientation.

A number of countries have adopted a package of laws equalizing the rights of homosexuals and other citizens.

Pros and cons of legalizing gay marriage

In almost a hundred countries around the world, after marriage, representatives of the LGBT community receive the right to be a confidant of their spouse.

Love is a universal concept and there are many people who experience this feeling not for the opposite sex, but for a representative of their own sex. At the same time, it is quite natural that they want to legitimize their relationship. Another thing is that same-sex marriage is a concept quite alien to modern people, and people who choose this path often have to fight public censure.

Attitudes towards same-sex unions in ancient times

Oddly enough, the concept of same-sex love did not arise in recent years. Such relationships flourished most of all in Ancient Rome, where feelings between people of the same sex did not surprise anyone. However, even with such a loyal attitude towards this manifestation of love, same-sex marriage was impossible there. Despite the fact that society turned a blind eye to such people, a marriage union between them, and especially the common upbringing of children, was not allowed. It is noteworthy that this was not even officially prohibited by the authorities; this was not even intended.

Modern attitudes towards same-sex marriage

Over time, over the years and centuries, same-sex couples have fought for recognition of their right to enter into a union with each other. However, society continued to condemn such a manifestation of feelings, and even more so, same-sex marriage was impossible. Attitudes towards such partners have begun to change only in recent decades.
Today, society is more loyal to same-sex couples, believing that a person’s personal right is to choose their partner. In some countries, the state even gives permission for this category of people to marry. However, this attitude does not apply to the whole world, however, the number of countries where same-sex marriage is allowed may increase over time.

Where in the world are marriages between same-sex partners legal?

Today, 24 countries around the world allow the official marriage of sexual minorities. The first number on the list is the Netherlands, which at all times has been distinguished by a more than loyal attitude towards same-sex unions. It was Holland that became the first country where representatives of non-traditional orientation had the opportunity to officially legitimize their relations. The law was adopted in 2001.

From that moment on, large-scale protests began to be held around the world, harping on the infringement of the rights of sexual minorities. This is what prompted the rapid increase in the number of countries where same-sex marriage is allowed. Currently on this list are countries such as Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand, Malta, Luxembourg, Slovenia, USA, Greenland. Also, there are countries where the legalization of same-sex marriage is only partially possible, in certain areas. These are states such as:

• France;
• Great Britain;
• Japan;
• Mexico.

Separately, it is worth mentioning Finland, where the law on same-sex marriage has been adopted by the government and will come into force in 2017. At the moment, civil partnerships are allowed in this country.

Civil Union. Where is it allowed and what is the difference from marriage?

There are other sexual minority unions than same-sex marriage. In which countries such relationships are allowed, besides Finland, not many people know. Meanwhile, this list includes 18 countries with completely different mentalities and ethnic compositions. These are countries such as Germany, Andorra, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Ecuador, Chile, Cyprus, Greece, Estonia, Italy and other countries.

The difference between a civil union and a marriage is that in this case the legal rights of the couple are limited. To a greater extent, this concerns the possibility of adoption and raising children.

At the same time, countries that allow same-sex marriage do not prohibit such partners from taking children into custody, or resorting to methods such as surrogacy or artificial insemination.

The attitude of the world community towards same-sex unions

Like any medal, an excessive degree of human freedom and the inviolability of his rights have two sides. In this case, this has led to the fact that the denial of same-sex unions is perceived as a violation of human rights. This is precisely the attitude that the world community is positioning. Whether this is good or bad, everyone decides for themselves. However, the fact that most countries in the world allow same-sex marriage at the state level has led to the fact that freedom of morals has reached its peak right now.

Same-sex marriage in Russia

Despite such pressure to protect their rights from representatives of sexual minorities, there are still countries where the union of such partners is not provided for by law. Among such countries, Russia stands out, where the question of whether same-sex marriage is allowed on its territory is even difficult to imagine. The state’s attitude to this issue is absolutely categorical and does not provide for any concessions. At the same time, the main difference from other countries is not the ban on same-sex unions.

All countries that do not allow the legalization of relations between representatives of sexual minorities legally recognize as valid a marriage concluded in another state. Thus, having registered in another country, the couple can return home and live a peaceful family life without breaking any laws. This procedure applies in countries such as Israel, Taiwan, Mongolia, North and South Korea. The position of the Russian Federation on this issue is clear: same-sex marriages in Russia are prohibited in the same way as relationships registered in any other country are recognized as illegal. Moreover, the country has a law prohibiting any propaganda of homosexuality, violation of which leads to a very large fine. For individuals it is 100 thousand rubles, and for legal entities it can reach up to 1 million rubles.

Russians' attitude towards same-sex unions

Citizens of the Russian Federation for the most part sharply condemn any manifestations of homosexuality. In this respect, the position of the people is similar to the position of the state, both of them believe that encouraging such unions is a sure path to the extinction of the nation. At the same time, there is not even a neutral attitude of people towards same-sex partners. Any manifestation of feelings between two men or two women is perceived sharply negatively.

Forecasts for same-sex marriages in Russia

Given this attitude of the country's citizens, such a concept as same-sex marriage is unlikely to take root in Russia. Recent public opinion polls show that, despite the improvement in the world community's attitude towards this issue, Russians remained in the same position. This is also explained by the Soviet legacy, when any signs of homosexuality were persecuted by law and the influence of the church and simply human attitude to this issue. In any case, it is difficult to imagine that the situation in Russia for representatives of sexual minorities will change in any way in the near future.

Preserving a healthy nation or violating rights

If we exclude the emotional side of the issue, rational issues arise regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage. The majority of representatives of sexual minorities demand the adoption of this law, mostly wanting to protect their property and non-property interests as spouses. After all, given that same-sex marriage is prohibited in Russia, just as there is no official recognition of civil partnerships, such couples face many legal problems. They cannot inherit each other's wealth or exercise their right to refuse to testify in court like heterosexual partners. Questions regarding children also arise. If something happens to one of the partners, the other cannot automatically become the guardian of the minor child. Moreover, his sexual orientation will become an obstacle that will be impossible to overcome.

Therefore, it is difficult to come to an unambiguous solution to this issue. On the one hand, every person has the right to connect his life with whomever he wants, provided that this is a mutual decision. But on the other hand, this is a clear violation of both the moral foundations of society in general and the institution of marriage in particular. In addition, the decision of two adults to live together may affect only them. But if such unions are legalized, then this will already affect children who will be raised in same-sex families, and who will initially grow up with a different worldview. That is why an absolute ban on such marriages in our country is perhaps the only right decision, although everyone has their own opinion on this matter.