Debate has occurred throughout Asia over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions.

Following a Constitutional Court ruling and a subsequent legislative act, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide on 24 May 2019, followed by Thailand on 23 January 2025.

In addition, Israel recognises same-sex marriages performed abroad, though not as full marriage, and same-sex marriages are legal in the UK sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Israel also recognises unregistered cohabitation for same-sex couples. Some cities in Cambodia provide same-sex couples with some limited rights and benefits, including hospital visitation rights.Same-sex couples tie the knot in Cambodia in a stunning public ceremony , Gay Star News, 24 May 2018 Several prefectures in Japan issue partnership certificates for same-sex couples. In Hong Kong, the same-sex partners of residents can receive spousal visas and spousal benefits.

Current situation

National level Status Country Legal since Country population(Last Census count)Marriage (2 countries) Taiwan 2019 23,400,220 Thailand 202565,932,105 Subtotal — — 89,332,325(1.9% of the Asian population) Civil union (1 country) Cyprus 2015 1,117,000 Subtotal — — 1,117,000(0.05% of the Asian population)Recognition of foreign marriage(1 country) <br/ > Israel 2006 10,026,900 Subtotal — — 10,026,900(0.1% of the Asian population)Temporary marriage-like union(1 country) <br/ > Nepal 2024 29,164,578 Subtotal — — 29,164,578(0.7% of the Asian population) Total — — 133,640,803(2.75% of the Asian population)No recognition (38 countries)* same-sex sexual activity illegal Afghanistan* — 31,575,018 Azerbaijan — 10,218,536 Bahrain — 1,496,300 Bangladesh* — 165,159,000 Bhutan — 727,145 Brunei* — 422,678 China — 1,393,970,000 East Timor — 1,261,407 India — 1,402,737,000 Indonesia — 265,015,300 Iran* — 81,773,300 Iraq* — 39,339,753 Japan — 126,490,000 Jordan — 10,235,500 Kazakhstan — 20,286,084 Kuwait* — 4,226,920 Laos — 6,961,210 Lebanon — 6,093,509 Malaysia* — 34,112,400 Maldives* — 378,114 Myanmar* — 53,862,731 North Korea — 25,610,672 Oman* — 4,633,752 Pakistan* — 201,938,000 Philippines — 114,123,600 Qatar* — 2,450,285 Saudi Arabia* — 33,413,660 Singapore — 6,036,900 South Korea — 51,207,874 Sri Lanka* — 21,444,000 Syria* — 24,672,760 Tajikistan — 8,931,000 Turkey — 85,664,944 Turkmenistan* — 7,057,841 United Arab Emirates* — 9,541,615 Uzbekistan* — 32,653,900 Vietnam — 100,309,209 Yemen* — 28,915,284 Subtotal — — 4,385,382,645(95.37% of the Asian population) Constitutional ban on marriage (6 countries) Armenia 2015 2,969,800 Cambodia 1993 17,336,307 Georgia 2018 3,694,600 Kyrgyzstan 2016 7,161,900 Mongolia 1992 3,504,741 Russia 2020146,150,789 Subtotal — — 179,180,789(3.9% of the Asian population) Total — — 4,564,563,434(97.25% of the Asian population)

Sub-national level StatusCountryJurisdictionLegal sinceJurisdiction population (Last Census count)Marriage (2 jurisdictions) United Kingdom Akrotiri and Dhekelia201415,700 British Indian Ocean Territory20143,000 (military personnel only)Total18,700

Partially-recognized and unrecognized states Status Country Since State population(Last estimate count) No recognition (4 states) Abkhazia — 242,862 Northern Cyprus476,214 PalestineSame-sex sexual activity legal in the West Bank, but legal status in the Gaza Strip is unclear. — 4,780,978 South Ossetia — 53,532 Total — — 5,390,998(0.1% of the Asian population)

Public opinion

In 2019, a survey by The Economist found that 45% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific region believed same-sex marriage is inevitable in the region, with 31% of respondents disagreeing. Also, three-quarters of those surveyed reported a more open climate for LGBT rights compared to three years ago. Of those reporting an improving climate for LGBT people, 38% cited a change in policies or laws, while 36% said coverage of LGBT issues in mainstream media was a major factor. The top reason cited for diminishing openness was anti-LGBT advocacy by religious institutions.

See also LGBTQ rights in Asia Recognition of same-sex unions in Africa Recognition of same-sex unions in the Americas Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe Recognition of same-sex unions in Oceania

Notes

References