Elsewhere in the world, gay marriage has been allowed by some countries since the turn of the century. The Netherlands became the first to legalise same sex marriage in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2003, Spain and Canada 2005, South Africa 2006, Norway and Sweden 2009, and Portugal, Iceland and Argentina in 2010. A few states in the US have also introduced same-sex marriage and others are campaigning to do so.
"The fact that same-sex marriage has been legalised on three continents demonstrates progress in equality. However, while the right to same-sex marriage may be viewed as the last step in ending discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, legalisation does not end discrimination, either by officials or other people."