November 6, 2012
Questions and Answers About Gay Marriage, Adoption in France
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
France's government is introducing a bill this week that would let homosexual couples marry and adopt children. Such a law would make France the 12th country to legalize gay marriage, and the biggest country - both in population and economy - to do so.
Q: WHAT COUNTRIES HAVE LEGALIZED GAY MARRIAGE?
A: The Netherlands (2001); Belgium (2003); Spain and Canada (2005); South Africa (2006); Norway (2008); Sweden (2009); Argentina, Iceland, Portugal (2010); Denmark (2012).
Q: HAVE OTHER PLACES LEGALIZED GAY MARRIAGE?
A: In the United States, a law prevents the federal government from recognizing gay marriage, but six states have legalized it - Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont - as have the District of Columbia and two Native American tribal jurisdictions. Mexico City also recognizes gay marriage, although Mexico as a whole doesn't.
Q: WHAT ABOUT ADOPTION FOR GAY COUPLES?
A: Gay couples can legally adopt in all of the countries that have legalized gay marriage, plus Brazil and the United Kingdom.
