What is Same-sex marriage?
'''Same-sex marriage''' (also known as '''gay marriage''')<ref>{{OED|gay marriage}}</ref> is a relationship in which two people of the same [[sex]] (same gender) live together as a family in a [[government]]ally, [[social]]ly, or [[religion|religiously]] recognized [[marriage]]. Access to same-sex marriage is sometimes called ''marriage equality'', especially by supporters.<ref>2010, Tracy Baim, Obama and the Gays: A Political Marriage, page 139: ''said that he would vote for a federal marriage amendment if laws already banning marriage equality were to be struck down by federal courts''</ref><ref>[http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/19/australian-gay-politician-travels-to-spain-in-order-to-marry-partner/ Australian gay politician travels to Spain in order to marry partner] retrieved 6 January 2012</ref> [[Image:World marriage-equality laws.svg|thumb|upright=2|Map showing the legal status of same-sex unions in the countries of the world. {{legend|#025|Same-sex marriage is recognized}} {{legend|#06F|Same-sex unions are available that are similar to marriage}} {{legend|#9CF|The country/state affords some minimal recognition of same-sex couples}} {{legend|#90C|Marriage licenses for same-sex couples, that were issued in other states or countries, are fully recognized}} {{legend|#CAF|Marriage licenses for same-sex couples, that were issued in other states or countries, are given minimal recognition}} {{legend|#71c837|Same-sex marriage is pending: the government has passed [[legislation]], or the [[supreme court]] has ordered that same-sex marriage should be legal, but no law is in effect}} {{legend|#C6E9AF|The state or country is subject to an international court that has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage}} {{legend|#EEE|Same-sex unions are not recognized}}]] == Current status == Marriage under [[civil law]] is presently available to same-sex couples in the following [[countries]]: [[Andorra]] [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[D