Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, following the Netherlands, when the law took effect on 1 June 2003.
Key Facts
- Law in force
- 1 June 2003
- Senate approval
- 28 November 2002
- Chamber of Representatives approval
- 30 January 2003
- Global ranking
- Second country to legalize same-sex marriage
- Civil union available since
- 1 January 2000 (statutory cohabitation)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Growing social acceptance of same-sex relationships in Belgium and legal reforms in neighboring Netherlands prompted Belgian legislators to pursue formal marriage equality. A bill was drafted and advanced through the country's bicameral parliament, reflecting polling data showing majority public support for recognition of same-sex unions.
The Belgian Senate passed the same-sex marriage bill on 28 November 2002, followed by the Chamber of Representatives on 30 January 2003. King Albert II granted royal assent, and the legislation entered into force on 1 June 2003, granting same-sex couples full marriage rights under Belgian law.
Belgium became the second country worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage, cementing a broader Western European trend toward marriage equality. The law gave same-sex couples the same legal standing as opposite-sex married couples, building on the statutory cohabitation framework that had existed since 2000.