Same-sex marriage is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom. As marriage is a devolved legislative matter, different parts of the United Kingdom legalised at different times; it has been recognised and performed in England and Wales since March 2014, in Scotland since December 2014, and in Northern Ireland since January 2020. Civil partnerships, which offer most, but not all, of the rights and benefits of marriage, have been recognised since 2005. The United Kingdom was the sixteenth country in Europe and the 27th in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry nationwide. Polling suggests that a majority of British people support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
UK House of Commons votes in favour of same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom. As marriage is a devolved legislative matter, different parts of the United Kingdom legalised at different times; it has been recognised...
Historical Significance
Same-sex marriage is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Events Before
Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 year
Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 years of marriage
American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California
American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California
"Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable dif
"Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable differences after 11 years of marriage
Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differ
Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differences after almost seven years of marriage
"The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"
"The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"
Events After
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is t
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is the first time no Englishman has been in the final
English "Roxy Music" singer-songwriter Bryan Ferry [68] divorces second wife English public relations specialist Amanda
English "Roxy Music" singer-songwriter Bryan Ferry [68] divorces second wife English public relations specialist Amanda Sheppard [32] after a year and a half of marriage
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the c
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the capital, Kiev, culminating after five days in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people on board loses contact and disappears, prompting the most expensive searc
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people on board loses contact and disappears, prompting the most expensive search effort in history and one of the most enduring aviation mysteries
Russia formally annexes Crimea amid international condemnation
In February and March 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, occupied it, and then annexed it after an illegitimate referendum.
More from the 2010s
New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cov
New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cover from the waist to knee, and women's from shoulder to knee; fabric must be a "textile" or woven material
10 people are killed, and 120 are injured in a stampede in Luanda, Angola
10 people are killed, and 120 are injured in a stampede in Luanda, Angola
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is t
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is the first time no Englishman has been in the final
Lithuania adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the Litas and becoming the 19th member of the Eurozone
Lithuania adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the Litas and becoming the 19th member of the Eurozone
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 5, 2013?
- Same-sex marriage is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom. As marriage is a devolved legislative matter, different parts of the United Kingdom legalised at different times; it has been recognised and performed in England and Wales since March 2014, in Scotland since December 2014, and in Northern Ireland since January 2020. Civil partnerships, which offer most, but not all, of the rights and benefits of marriage, have been recognised since 2005.
- Why is UK House of Commons votes in favour of same-sex marriage significant?
- Same-sex marriage is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom.