Homosexuality still illegal in most countries
Posted on September 7, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog
South Africa is the only country on the African continent that has legalised gay marriage.
Homosexuality remains illegal in most other African countries, and those found guilty of homosexual acts can be put to death in several countries.
Other nations that recognise gay marriage are The Netherlands, which in 2001 became the first country to grant gay marriage rights. It was followed by Belgium in 2003, Canada and Spain in June 2005 and Norway in May 2008.
Gay marriage remains illegal in most American states, with the exception of California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York - although the latter only recognises the marriages of gay couples who married legally outside the state.
Massachusetts was the first US state to legalise gay marriage, in May 2004, and also issues licences to gay couples from New Mexico and Rhode Island since neither state explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.
In New Jersey, same-sex unions are classified as civil unions, but couples are granted the same rights as married heterosexual couples.
A number of countries around the world allow same-sex partnerships or unions. These are Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Homosexuality still illegal in most countries
Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa
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