While looking forward to the new year is certainly something that comes naturally to us humans (and often with a sigh of relief that we get to start all over again) it’s always valuable to review the year ended. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on how much progress we’ve made while being mindful of how much more progress is needed. While we have miles to go with regard to achieving marriage equality, looking back over 2012 we can celebrate some significant progress here at home and around the world.
In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to
legally recognize same-sex partnerships. In 1997 same-sex couples were given
the right to be legally married in Denmark but they were not allowed to marry
in the church. In June, Denmark’s
Parliament approved same-sex couples’ right to full church weddings if they choose
with amenable clergy permitted to officiate.
On this side of the pond, Washington state approved same-sex
marriage on December 6th with the great state of Maine following
soon after on December 29th. On November 6, 2012, the state of Maryland’s voters approved
same-sex marriage, becoming the first instance in which voters approved
same-sex marriage at the ballot.
I sincerely hope that next year I will be able to post many more
states and countries to this list.
Onward!
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