Legal "marriage" between same-sex couples is now recognized in [[Canada]], [[Spain]], [[South Africa]], [[Belgium]], [[Israel]] and the [[Netherlands]]. Most other western [[Europe|European]] nations and several US states recognize a more limited [[marriage]] or civil union. 26 US states have passed constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages, and [[federal law]] does not recognize [[same-sex "marriage"]]. | Legal "marriage" between same-sex couples is now recognized in [[Canada]], [[Spain]], [[South Africa]], [[Belgium]], [[Israel]] and the [[Netherlands]]. Most other western [[Europe|European]] nations and several US states recognize a more limited [[marriage]] or civil union. 26 US states have passed constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages, and [[federal law]] does not recognize [[same-sex "marriage"]]. |