Same-sex marriage

gay — show the definition INF135 marriage, or marriage for all, refers to the civil union between two people of the same sex. Legally, it grants same-sex couples the same rights and duties as heterosexual couples.

Meaning of the term “gay — show the definition INF135”
Meaning of the acronym LGBTQ — show the definition INF136+

In France
It became legal on 17 May 2013, thanks to the law known as “Marriage for all”.
Same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples: civil marriage, adoption, inheritance, social security, etc.
This advance was driven by LGBT+ movements and supported by the Ayrault government.
Around the world
Same-sex marriage is legal in more than 39 countries, including:
Netherlands (the first country to legalise it, in 2001)
Canada, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, United States, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Uruguay, Taiwan, etc.
Thailand is the latest country to have legalised it (September 2024, in force since January 2025).
In some countries, marriage is recognised but not yet authorised (e.g. Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica).
Legal implications
Same-sex couples can:
Adopt children
Benefit from the same property and social rights
Have access to social security and medical care
Be protected by human rights laws
Debates and opposition
Some religious or conservative groups oppose gay — show the definition INF135 marriage for theological or moral reasons.
Others see it as a major step forward for equality, dignity and the recognition of LGBT+ couples.
Political power was strongly influenced by LGBT+ movements in enacting this law on gay — show the definition INF135 marriage.

Influence of LGBT groups on legislation — show the definition INF137
Meaning of the acronym LGBTQ — show the definition INF136+

A mayor in France has no right to refuse to marry a same-sex couple in the name of personal convictions. Since the law of 17 May 2013, marriage has been open to same-sex couples.

Mayors and their deputies are required to respect the law of the Republic and cannot invoke a conscience clause to refuse to celebrate a same-sex marriage.

A refusal based on sexual orientation constitutes discrimination. This exposes the civil registrar to: 5 years' imprisonment and a fine of €75,000, as well as damages payable to the couple wronged.

The position of the Catholic Church on same-sex marriage is clear and rests on a distinction between pastoral welcome and sacramental doctrine:

Official position

The Church holds that marriage is a sacrament reserved for the union of a man and a woman.

Homosexual relationships are seen as contrary to the natural moral law, because they are not open to procreation and are not based on sexual complementarity.

Welcoming homosexual persons

The Catechism of the Catholic Church insists that homosexual persons must be welcomed with respect, compassion and sensitivity, without unjust discrimination.

In December 2023, the Vatican authorised the blessing of same-sex couples, provided it is carried out outside a liturgical setting and without confusion with sacramental marriage.

In summary

No Catholic religious marriage for same-sex couples.

Possibility of a blessing, but outside the official rites.

Respect for persons, but the traditional doctrine is maintained.

The United Protestant Church of France (EPUdF), the main branch of French Protestantism, has adopted an open and inclusive position on same-sex marriage:

A historic decision

In May 2015, at a national synod, the EPUdF voted by an overwhelming majority (94 votes for, 3 against) to authorise the blessing of same-sex couples.

This blessing may be celebrated after the civil marriage, because in Protestantism marriage is not a sacrament but a commitment before God and the community.

Local freedom

Each pastor and each parish remains free to accept or decline to bless these unions.

An internal movement, called the Attestants, formed in reaction to this decision, bringing together about 10 to 15% of EPUdF members who are opposed to this blessing.

Other Protestant branches

The Mission populaire évangélique also permits a liturgical gesture of welcome and prayer for same-sex couples.

By contrast, conservative evangelical Churches and certain Reformed branches remain firmly opposed to any religious recognition of same-sex unions.

The various Christian denominations hold very different positions on same-sex marriage, ranging from strict condemnation to full acceptance. Here is an overview of the main trends:

Denominations opposed to same-sex marriage

These Churches rely on a literal reading of the Bible and regard homosexuality as a sin:

Conservative evangelical Churches: such as the Church of God in Christ or certain Baptist branches, they firmly reject same-sex marriage and homosexuality in general.

Orthodox Church: it considers homosexual acts contrary to divine law and rejects any form of legal or religious recognition.

Certain traditional Protestant Churches: such as certain Reformed or Pentecostal branches, which maintain a traditional view of marriage.

Inclusive and affirming denominations

These Churches adopt a more open and inclusive theology:

United Protestant Church of France (EPUdF): it has authorised the blessing of same-sex couples since 2015.

Anglican Church (depending on the province): certain branches, such as the Episcopal Church in the United States or the Church of Scotland, celebrate same-sex marriages.

Progressive Methodist Churches: some local communities bless same-sex unions, although the overall position remains divided.

Independent and community Churches: such as the Metropolitan Community Church, founded specifically to welcome LGBTQ+ people.

In summary

Catholic Church: marriage refused, blessings possible

Conservative evangelical Churches: total rejection

Orthodox Church: total rejection

United Protestant Church of France: blessing authorised

Anglican Church (depending on the country): marriage authorised in certain provinces

Inclusive churches — show the definition INF138: marriage celebrated and fully recognised.

The inclusive churches — show the definition INF138

Islam, in its traditional interpretations, rejects homosexuality, which rules out the possibility of same-sex marriage according to a literal reading of the Quran.

However, some contemporary approaches propose a more inclusive interpretation of the texts, stressing that the historical and social context influences the understanding of sacred writings. Moreover, there are LGBTQ+ Muslim communities that strive to reconcile their sexual orientation with their faith, often outside the framework of traditional religious institutions.

The Bible does not explicitly address the question of same-sex marriage as it is defined today. However, many biblical passages are regularly cited in discussions about homosexuality and marriage. For an in-depth analysis of the biblical texts dealing with homosexuality, please refer to the previous article (FDS002: Homosexuality), in which these elements were examined in detail.

According to our understanding of the Scriptures, the biblical position on homosexual practices is unequivocal: they are explicitly described as contrary to the divine will and called sin. In this light, the religious celebration of a marriage between people of the same sex cannot be envisaged without departing from the biblical foundations.

Thus, religious leaders who choose to celebrate these unions in the same way as heterosexual marriages adopt a stance in clear contradiction with the plain teachings of the Word of God.

As we said earlier, the Bible does not speak directly of same-sex marriage as it is understood today, but it contains several passages that are often cited in debates on homosexuality and marriage. Here are the main elements:

Passages often invoked

Genesis 2.24: “A man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse is often interpreted as defining biblical marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Matthew 19.4-6: Jesus confirms this view, saying: “Have you not read that the Creator, from the beginning, made them male and female [...] What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” This reinforces the idea of heterosexual marriage as the divine model.

Leviticus 18.22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This verse is often cited to condemn homosexual acts.

Romans 1.26-27: Paul speaks of “vile passions” and of homosexual relations as “against nature”.

1 Corinthians 6.9-10: Paul lists those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God”, including the “sexually immoral” and “men who lie with men” according to some translations.

Differing interpretations

Conservative theologians see these verses as a clear condemnation of homosexuality and of gay — show the definition INF135 marriage.

Progressive theologians stress that these texts must be placed back in their historical and cultural context, and that the central message of the Bible is love, justice and dignity.

It is important to note that God's love for humanity does not imply unconditional acceptance of all human behaviour. The concept of sin is regarded as a factor of separation between human beings and God, and forgiveness, as described by the doctrine concerning the death of the Messiah Jesus, is presented as the way to restore this relationship. Furthermore, it is stated that those who do not subscribe to this principle do not take part in this plan of salvation.

Even though God's love surpasses what we can imagine, it remains true that some will be saved while others will be lost.