Marriage Equality map highlights love, exposes inequality

Image © www.foreignpolicy.com 2017

 

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family.”

In 2015, Justice Anthony Kennedy authored these poignant words as the United States joined an ever-growing list of countries that have legalized marriage equality.[1] The map above, designed by C.K. Hickey for Foreign Policy Magazine, shows the countries where marriage is legal. Click here to view an interactive and informative version at www.foreignpolicy.com.

On July 12th, 2017, the European country of Malta voted to legalize same-sex marriage.[2] Malta has historically been celebrated as one of the most progressive countries in terms of LGBTQ rights,[3] and this victory reinforces the country’s commitment to equality. However, as we add one more rainbow to the map above, the dark countries become even more visible. More and more countries acknowledge the human right to love, and we move closer to a world that refuses to accept inequality. With continued enlightenment, our LGBTQ family can hold on to the knowledge that even in the darkest countries, love will win.

Learn about how Planting Peace is combating hate through Equality House and the Transgender House.

[1]Obergefell et al v Hodges ruling
[2] CNN – Malta’s lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex marriage
[3] Malta Today – Malta ranks first in European ‘rainbow map’ of LGBT rights