Same-sex marriage in Norway

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Norway since January 1, 2009. This happened after the Storting, Norway's parliament, passed a new law in June 2008 that allowed anyone to get married, no matter their gender. Norway was an important leader in this change. It was the first Scandinavian country, the fourth in Europe, and the sixth in the world to allow same-sex marriage. Before Norway, only the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and South Africa had this right.

Before 2009, same-sex couples in Norway could join in something called registered partnerships. These partnerships gave couples almost all the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Norway was also a pioneer here, being the second country in the world to create this option, after Denmark.

Many people in Norway support allowing same-sex marriage. In 2024, a website that helps plan weddings chose Norway as the best place in the world for same-sex couples to get married. This shows how important and welcoming Norway is for everyone who wants to celebrate love and commitment together.

Registered partnerships

Norway began allowing same-sex registered partnerships on 1 August 1993. This was the second country in the world to do so, after Denmark. These partnerships gave same-sex couples almost all the same rights as married couples, like taking care of each other if the relationship ends.

At first, there were some limits, like not being able to adopt children. But in 2002, the rules changed to let partners adopt each other's children. By 2009, Norway started allowing same-sex marriage instead, but couples who already had registered partnerships could keep their status or change it to marriage.

From 1993 to 2008, over 1,400 partnerships were registered in Norway.

Same-sex marriage

A bill was proposed on 18 November 2004 by two members of the Socialist Left Party to change marriage laws so that anyone could marry, no matter their gender. This idea was studied more before it became law. In 2008, the Norwegian Government made a new law so that couples, no matter if they were both men, both women, or a man and a woman, could marry. This law also allowed couples to adopt children and have families together. The law started on 1 January 2009.

Since the law began, many couples have married. In 2021, it was said that members of the Norwegian royal family could also marry someone of the same gender without losing their place in the royal line.

Some churches in Norway now allow same-sex marriages, while others do not. This change has let many couples share their love in special ceremonies together.

Public opinion

Several surveys over the years have shown that most people in Norway support allowing everyone to marry, no matter who they love. In the early 2000s, more and more people began to agree with this idea. By 2017, a big survey found that about three out of four people in Norway supported this right for everyone.

Younger people and those without a strong religious belief were especially likely to support equal marriage. This shows that opinions in Norway have changed a lot over time, with more people now accepting and supporting this idea.