Many studies have shown that children of same-sex couples fare just as well as the children of opposite-sex couples some studies have shown benefits to being raised by same-sex couples. The former two claims are refuted by scientific studies, which show that homosexuality is a natural and normal variation in human sexuality, and that sexual orientation is not a choice. Opposition to same-sex marriage is based on claims such as that homosexuality is unnatural and abnormal, that children are better off when raised by opposite-sex couples, that same-sex couples cannot procreate, and that the recognition of same-sex unions will promote homosexuality in society. Same-sex marriage can provide those in committed same-sex relationships with relevant government services and make financial demands on them comparable to that required of those in opposite-sex marriages, and also gives them legal protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights. Social science research indicates that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage stigmatizes and invites public discrimination against gay and lesbian people, with research also repudiating the notion that either civilization or viable social orders depend upon restricting marriage to heterosexuals. Scientific studies show that the financial, psychological, and physical well-being of gay people are enhanced by marriage, and that the children of same-sex parents benefit from being raised by married same-sex couples within a marital union that is recognized by law and supported by societal institutions. Polls consistently show continually rising support for the recognition of same-sex marriage in all developed democracies and in some developing democracies. The most prominent supporters of same-sex marriage are human rights and civil rights organizations as well as the medical and scientific communities, while the most prominent opponents are religious fundamentalist groups. The application of marriage law equally to same-sex and opposite-sex couples (called marriage equality) has varied by jurisdiction, and has come about through legislative change to marriage law, court rulings based on constitutional guarantees of equality, recognition that marriage of same-sex couples is allowed by existing marriage law, and by direct popular vote (via referendums and initiatives). In the modern era, marriage equality for same-sex couples was first legally acknowledged in the Netherlands on 1 April 2001. There are records of marriage between men dating back to the first century. In six of the former and most of the latter, homosexuality itself is criminalized. Some other countries have constitutionally mandated Islamic law, which is generally interpreted as prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. In contrast, 34 countries (as of 2021) have definitions of marriage in their constitutions that prevent marriage between couples of the same sex, most enacted in recent decades as a preventative measure. Adoption rights are not necessarily covered, though most states with same-sex marriage allow those couples to jointly adopt. As of 2022, marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized in 30 countries (nationwide or in some jurisdictions) with the most recent being Chile in March 2022 and Switzerland starting 1 July 2022. Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is the marriage of two people of the same sex or gender. Two men marry, surrounded by wedding party, in New Orleans, United States on 11 November 2017
Foreign same-sex spouses are eligible for a "Non-Tourist Visa" as a dependent.
Some cities and prefectures issue certificates for same-sex couples, but they are not legally binding.
Unregistered cohabitation or Maitri Karar–type contractual relationships.
Legal guardianships (nationwide, except Hong Kong and Macau), residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents (Hong Kong).
Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens. Registered foreign marriages confer limited rights.
Neither performed nor recognized in American Samoa or some tribal nations.
Neither performed nor recognized in six British Overseas Territories.
Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands.
Registered in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten in such cases, but the rights of marriage are not guaranteed.
Performed in the Netherlands proper, including the Caribbean Netherlands.
Performed statewide in 25 of 31 states and in Mexico City, in certain municipalities in one other state, and recognized by all states in such cases.