Same-sex marriage in Portugal
{{short description|none}}
{{Same-sex unions|marriage}}
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Portugal since 5 June 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2010/05/10500/0185301853.pdf|title=Lei n.º 9/2010 de 31 de Maio Permite o casamento civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo|access-date=2010-05-31|archive-date=2014-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106163651/https://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2010/05/10500/0185301853.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2010/06/01/jornal/segundafeira-ja-vai-ser-possivel-celebrar--casamentos-entre-pessoas-do-mesmo-sexo-19521550|title=Segunda-feira já vai ser possível celebrar casamentos entre pessoas do mesmo sexo|first=José Augusto|last=Moreira|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227204053/https://www.publico.pt/portugal/jornal/segundafeira-ja-vai-ser-possivel-celebrar--casamentos-entre-pessoas-do-mesmo-sexo-19521550|url-status=live}} The XVIII Constitutional Government of Portugal under Prime Minister José Sócrates introduced a bill for legalization in December 2009. It was passed by the Assembly of the Republic in February 2010, and was declared legally valid by the Portuguese Constitutional Court in April 2010. On 17 May 2010, President Aníbal Cavaco Silva ratified the law, making Portugal the sixth country in Europe and the eighth in the world to allow same-sex marriage nationwide.{{cite news|last=Hatton |first=Barry |title=Portugal's president ratifies gay marriage law |agency=Associated Press |date=May 17, 2010 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ik3aX3N0ru0tZv_wqU87GX6lm4lwD9FOPSSO0 |access-date=May 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520075713/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ik3aX3N0ru0tZv_wqU87GX6lm4lwD9FOPSSO0 |archive-date=May 20, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8688503.stm|title=Portugal backs same-sex marriage|date=May 17, 2010|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=May 17, 2010|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105194110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8688503.stm|url-status=live}} The law was published in the Diário da República on 31 May and became effective on 5 June 2010. Polling suggests that a significant majority of Portuguese people support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
Portugal has also recognized same-sex de facto unions, providing several of the rights and benefits of marriage, since 2001.
Background
=''De facto'' unions=
{{main|De facto union in Portugal}}
A de facto union ({{langx|pt|união de facto}},{{cite web|url=https://eportugal.gov.pt/guias/casar-ou-viver-em-uniao-de-facto|title=Casar ou viver em união de facto|language=pt|work=eportugal.gov.pt|access-date=25 May 2024|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203165122/https://eportugal.gov.pt/guias/casar-ou-viver-em-uniao-de-facto}} {{IPA|pt|uˈnjɐ̃w̃ dɨ ˈfaktu|pron}}; {{langx|mwl|ounion de fato}}) is a legally recognised union, providing couples, opposite-sex or same-sex, with similar rights and benefits as marriage. Same-sex de facto unions were established by Law no. 7/2001 (Lei n.º 7/2001) in 2001.
=Constitutional Court ruling=
On 1 February 2006, a lesbian couple applied for a marriage licence. Their application was refused, but the couple, Teresa Pires and Helena Paixão, promised to challenge the ban in court, saying that it discriminated against them on the basis of their sexual orientation.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4674846.stm|title=Portugal blocks lesbian marriage|date=February 2, 2006|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=June 8, 2010|archive-date=January 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122002150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4674846.stm|url-status=live}} Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal under the Constitution of Portugal. In May 2007, a lower court rejected the motion, and the couple appealed to the Portuguese Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court received the case in July 2007. Pires and Paixão's lawyer, Luís Grave Rodrigues, presented their arguments on 19 October 2007, including seven legal opinions (pareceres) from Portuguese professors of law arguing that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.{{Cite web|url=https://sol.sapo.pt/PaginaInicial/Sociedade/Interior.aspx?content_id=61785|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320210657/http://sol.sapo.pt/PaginaInicial/Sociedade/Interior.aspx?content_id=61785|url-status=dead|title=Pareceres de personalidades sustentam alegações de recurso entregue no TConstitucional|archive-date=March 20, 2008}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2007/quero-as-casadas-na-primavera-987309.html|title="Quero-as casadas na Primavera" - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023030254/https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2007/quero-as-casadas-na-primavera-987309.html|url-status=live}}
On 9 July 2009, the Constitutional Court decided on a 3–2 vote that the Constitution did not demand the recognition of same-sex marriage,{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20090359.html|title=TC > Jurisprudence > Summaries > Ruling 359/2009|website=www.tribunalconstitucional.pt|access-date=2016-01-01|archive-date=2018-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118131301/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20090359.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20090359s.html|title=TC > Jurisprudence > Summaries > Summary 359/2009|website=www.tribunalconstitucional.pt|access-date=2016-01-01|archive-date=2018-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118132959/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20090359s.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/31/portugal-gay-marriage-ban_n_248743.html |title=Portugal Gay Marriage Ban Upheld By Court |website=HuffPost |access-date=2009-10-20 |archive-date=2009-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803182549/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/31/portugal-gay-marriage-ban_n_248743.html |url-status=live }} but also did not oppose it, and that the decision had to be made by the Assembly of the Republic.
Legislative action
{{Same-sex marriage map Europe|align=right}}
=2008 bills=
Two bills to legalize same-sex marriage were presented to Parliament on 10 October 2008. The bills were introduced separately by the Left Bloc (BE) and the Green Party (PEV). Both bills were rejected by Parliament on opposition from the governing Socialist Party (PS) and the main opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD).{{Cite web|url=http://catholicnation.com/news.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901093743/http://catholicnation.com/news.htm|url-status=dead|title=Portugal Says No to Gay Marriage|archive-date=September 1, 2013}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=73967 |title=Portugal's Parliament Votes Against Gay Marriage |access-date=2009-10-20 |archive-date=2016-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914131344/http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=73967 |url-status=live }}
=Passage of legislation in 2010=
Prime Minister José Sócrates said on 18 January 2009 that, if re-elected in the September 2009 elections, he planned to introduce a bill to grant same-sex couples the right to marry. While the bill did not contemplate adoption, most LGBT organizations in Portugal supported the measure as an important step.{{Cite web|url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/news/national//86645|title=Portugal May Be Next in Line for Gay Marriage|website=EDGE Media Network|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2019-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421174939/https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/news/national//86645|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/socrates-casamento-homossexual-regionalizacao-ps-homossexuais-legislativas/1033721-4072.html|title=TVI24|website=tvi24.iol.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021130812/https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/socrates-casamento-homossexual-regionalizacao-ps-homossexuais-legislativas/1033721-4072.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/01/18/politica/noticia/socrates-quer-maioria-absoluta-promete-referendo-a-regionalizacao-e-defende-casamento-homossexual-1356573|title=Sócrates quer maioria absoluta, promete referendo à regionalização e defende casamento homossexual|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111032948/https://www.publico.pt/2009/01/18/politica/noticia/socrates-quer-maioria-absoluta-promete-referendo-a-regionalizacao-e-defende-casamento-homossexual-1356573|url-status=live}} In March 2009, Jorge Lacão, the Secretary of State for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, confirmed that the Socialist government intended to legalize same-sex marriage if re-elected in 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/03/27/video/portugal-governo-promete-legalizar-casamento-homossexual-na-proxima-legislatura-20090327145739|title=Portugal: Governo promete legalizar casamento homossexual na próxima legislatura|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122225438/http://www.publico.pt/multimedia/video/portugal-governo-promete-legalizar-casamento-homossexual-na-proxima-legislatura-20090327145739|url-status=live}} Manuela Ferreira Leite, the leader of the conservative Social Democratic Party, expressed her opposition to the recognition of same-sex marriage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2008/ferreira-leite-admite-discriminar-casais-gay-994346.html|title=Ferreira Leite admite discriminar casais 'gay' - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023034312/https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2008/ferreira-leite-admite-discriminar-casais-gay-994346.html|url-status=live}}
In May 2009, a grassroots movement, the Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage ({{lang|pt|Movimento pela Igualdade no acesso ao casamento civil}}), was formed to campaign for the proposed same-sex marriage law. It attracted the support of several Portuguese celebrities, including Nobel Prize winner José Saramago and the Mayor of Lisbon, António Costa.{{cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/movimento-de-cidados-quer-igualdade-de-acesso-a-todos-os-casais-1248855.html|title=Movimento de cidadãos quer igualdade de acesso a todos os casais|work=Diário de Noticias|date=30 May 2009|language=pt|access-date=11 February 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204200/https://www.dn.pt/portugal/movimento-de-cidadaos-quer-igualdade-de-acesso-a-todos-os-casais-1248855.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/05/27/politica/noticia/jose-saramago-lidia-jorge-e-daniel-sampaio-apoiam-casamento-entre-homossexuais-1383396|title=José Saramago, Lídia Jorge e Daniel Sampaio apoiam casamento entre homossexuais|first=São José|last=Almeida|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114025919/https://www.publico.pt/politica/noticia/jose-saramago-lidia-jorge-e-daniel-sampaio-apoiam-casamento-entre-homossexuais-1383396|url-status=live}} In October 2009, the newly re-elected Sócrates made an assurance that the Socialist Party would move ahead with its campaign promise of legalizing same-sex marriage. The proposition received strong support from the Left Bloc, with its parliamentary leader, Francisco Louçã, presenting his own bill to legalize same-sex marriage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/be-disponivel-para-aprovar-a-curto-prazo-casamento-homossexual-1391741.html|title=BE disponível para aprovar a curto prazo casamento homossexual - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023022909/https://www.dn.pt/portugal/be-disponivel-para-aprovar-a-curto-prazo-casamento-homossexual-1391741.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/casamentos-gay-be-ja-entregou-diploma-para-legalizacao-1392880.html|title=Casamentos gay: BE já entregou diploma para legalização - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023015528/https://www.dn.pt/portugal/casamentos-gay-be-ja-entregou-diploma-para-legalizacao-1392880.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/be-avanca-hoje-com-casamento-homossexual--1392165.html|title=BE avança hoje com casamento homossexual - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023030526/https://www.dn.pt/portugal/be-avanca-hoje-com-casamento-homossexual--1392165.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.baywindows.com/index.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20091112101243/http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=98738|url-status=dead|title=Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper|access-date=2009-11-15|archive-date=2009-11-12}} In mid-October 2009, Lacão said it was likely that same-sex marriage would be legalised in early 2010.{{in lang|pt}} [http://movies.transveados.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109:portugal-em-defesa-dos-casamento-gay&catid=50:myblog Portugal: Casamento gay já durante o próximo ano ?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401113520/http://movies.transveados.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109%3Aportugal-em-defesa-dos-casamento-gay&catid=50%3Amyblog |date=2010-04-01 }} On 3 November 2009, José Ribeiro e Castro, a deputy from the CDS – People's Party, called for a referendum but the Prime Minister, the Socialist Party and the Left Bloc rejected the idea.{{Cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/ribeiro-e-castro-casamentos-homossexuais-cds-casamento-gay-casamento-homossexuais/1100431-4072.html|title=TVI24|website=tvi24.iol.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2018-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001606/https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/ribeiro-e-castro-casamentos-homossexuais-cds-casamento-gay-casamento-homossexuais/1100431-4072.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/11/06/politica/noticia/casamentos-entre-homossexuais-avancam-1408620|title=Casamentos entre homossexuais avançam|first=São José|last=Almeida|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114040039/https://www.publico.pt/politica/noticia/casamentos-entre-homossexuais-avancam-1408620|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/11/04/politica/noticia/be-considera-descabido-fazer-referendo-ao-casamento-homossexual-1408282|title=BE considera "descabido" fazer referendo ao casamento homossexual|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114015803/https://www.publico.pt/politica/noticia/be-considera-descabido-fazer-referendo-ao-casamento-homossexual-1408282|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/debate/socrates-rejeita-referendo-sobre-casamento-gay|title=Sócrates rejeita referendo sobre casamento gay|website=TVI24|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2019-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421084508/https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/debate/socrates-rejeita-referendo-sobre-casamento-gay|url-status=live}}
On 4 November 2009, Francisco Assis, the parliamentary leader of the Socialist Party, said that the same-sex marriage bill would be voted on soon and confirmed that the bill would not allow same-sex couples to adopt children.{{Cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/homossexual/ps-casamento-gay-sem-referendo-mas-nada-de-adopcao|title=PS: casamento gay sem referendo, mas nada de adopção|website=TVI24|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2019-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421090157/https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/homossexual/ps-casamento-gay-sem-referendo-mas-nada-de-adopcao|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/11/04/politica/noticia/francisco-assis-recusa-a-ideia-de-referendo-ao-casamento-homossexual-1408219|title=Francisco Assis recusa a ideia de referendo ao casamento homossexual|first=Bárbara|last=Wong|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114025931/https://www.publico.pt/politica/noticia/francisco-assis-recusa-a-ideia-de-referendo-ao-casamento-homossexual-1408219|url-status=live}} The government gave its official approval to the same-sex marriage bill on 17 December 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/portugal-tipped-to-allow-gay-marriage/|title=Portugal tipped to allow gay marriage|date=December 17, 2009|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828091914/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/portugal-tipped-to-allow-gay-marriage/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2009/12/17/portuguese_govt_aims_to_permit_gay_marriage/|title=Portuguese govt aims to permit gay marriage|first=Barry|last=Hatton|newspaper=Boston.com |date=December 17, 2009|via=The Boston Globe|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181225/http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2009/12/17/portuguese_govt_aims_to_permit_gay_marriage/|url-status=live}} On 8 January 2010, after a debate which included the intervention of Prime Minister Sócrates,{{Cite web|url=http://portugalgay.pt/politica/parlamento07e.asp|title=Apresentação da Proposta de Lei do casamento civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo|website=portugalgay.pt|access-date=2016-01-02|archive-date=2018-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111093246/https://portugalgay.pt/politica/parlamento07e.asp|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Portugal's Prime Minister: Gay marriage fundamental to equality |work=Javno.com (Croatia) |date=2010-01-08 |url=http://www.javno.com/en-world/gay-marriage-fundamental-to-equality_289187 |access-date=2010-01-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209063539/http://www.javno.com/en-world/gay-marriage-fundamental-to-equality_289187 |archive-date=2010-02-09 }}{{cite web |title=Portuguese Government debates legalisation of gay marriage |work=Demotix |date=2010-01-08 |url=http://www.demotix.com/news/218316/portuguese-government-debates-legalisation-gay-marriage |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110809143206/http://www.demotix.com/news/218316/portuguese-government-debates-legalisation-gay-marriage |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-08-09 |access-date=2010-01-08 }} the Assembly of the Republic passed the bill in first reading by 126 votes to 97,{{cite web |title=Same-sex marriage law backed in Portugal's parliament |work=BBC |date=2010-01-08 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8448640.stm |access-date=2010-01-08 |archive-date=2013-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105201429/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8448640.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Portugal MPs approve gay marriage |work=RTÉ News |date=2010-01-08 |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0108/portugal.html |access-date=2010-01-08 |archive-date=2012-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024074407/http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0108/portugal.html |url-status=live }} and rejected bills introduced by the Left Bloc and the Green Party, as well as a measure to create civil unions submitted by the PSD.{{Cite web|url=https://visao.sapo.pt/lusa/2010-01-08-casamento-homossexual-parlamento-chumba-diplomas-be-e-pev-e-projecto-psd-para-uniao-civil-registadaf543645/|title=Visão | Casamento Homossexual: Parlamento chumba diplomas BE e PEV e projecto PSD para união civil registada|date=January 8, 2010|website=Visão|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2018-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122071920/http://visao.sapo.pt/lusa/casamento-homossexual-parlamento-chumba-diplomas-be-e-pev-e-projecto-psd-para-uniao-civil-registada=f543645|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=34822|title=Projeto de Lei 14/XI|publisher=Assembleia Da Republica|access-date=May 27, 2013|language=pt|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000325/http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=34822|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=34837|title=Projeto de Lei 24/XI|publisher=Assembleia Da Republica|access-date=May 27, 2013|language=pt|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001605/http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=34837|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=35011|title=Projeto de Lei 119/XI|publisher=Assembleia Da Republica|access-date=September 12, 2012|language=pt|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000221/http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=35011|url-status=live}} The Constitutional Affairs Committee approved the bill on 10 February,{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2010/02/10/politica/noticia/casamento-homossexual-diploma-aprovado-sem-alteracoes-na-especialidade-1422174|title=Casamento homossexual: diploma aprovado sem alterações na especialidade|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114025937/https://www.publico.pt/politica/noticia/casamento-homossexual-diploma-aprovado-sem-alteracoes-na-especialidade-1422174|url-status=live}} and it passed its final parliamentary vote on 11 February.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5259/Portuguese_Lawmakers_Approve_Gay_Marriage_Bill|title=Portuguese Lawmakers Approve Gay Marriage Bill|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025015830/http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5259/Portuguese_Lawmakers_Approve_Gay_Marriage_Bill|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://momento24.com/en/2010/02/12/gay-marriage-approved-by-the-portuguese-parliament/ |title=Gay marriage approved by the Portuguese Parliament |access-date=2010-02-12 |archive-date=2010-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411084802/http://momento24.com/en/2010/02/12/gay-marriage-approved-by-the-portuguese-parliament/ |url-status=dead }} The legislation was sent to President Aníbal Cavaco Silva on 24 February 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5352/Portugals_Gay_Marriage_Bill_Receives_Final_Approval|title=Portugal's Gay Marriage Bill Receives Final Approval|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2015-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303104652/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5352&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://diario.iol.pt/sociedade-nacional/casamento-casamento-gay-homossexual-parlamento-psd-tvi24/1142058-4555.html|title=Casamento gay: redacção final do diploma aprovada|access-date=2010-06-18|archive-date=2018-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111093229/https://tvi24.iol.pt/sociedade-nacional/casamento-casamento-gay-homossexual-parlamento-psd-tvi24/1142058-4555.html|url-status=dead}}
On 13 March 2010, Cavaco Silva asked the Constitutional Court to verify whether the bill was constitutional.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5422/Portugal_Gay_Marriage_Bill_Forwarded_To_Constitutional_Court|title=Portugal Gay Marriage Bill Forwarded To Constitutional Court|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2015-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303104654/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5422&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/ultimas/casamento-gay-cavaco-pede-fiscalizacao-do-diploma|title=Casamento gay: Cavaco pede fiscalização do diploma|website=TVI24|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2019-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421090813/https://tvi24.iol.pt/politica/ultimas/casamento-gay-cavaco-pede-fiscalizacao-do-diploma|url-status=live}} On 8 April 2010, the Constitutional Court ruled (11–2) for the constitutionality of the bill, with three members concluding that the Constitution requires the recognition of same-sex marriages.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20100121.html|title=TC > Jurisprudence > Summaries > Ruling 121/2010|website=www.tribunalconstitucional.pt|access-date=2016-01-01|archive-date=2020-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414144147/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20100121.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20100121s.html|title=TC > Jurisprudence > Summaries > Summary 121/2010|website=www.tribunalconstitucional.pt|access-date=2016-01-01|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220154519/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20100121s.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5555/Portugals_Constitutional_Court_OKs_Gay_Marriage|title=Portugal's Constitutional Court OKs Gay Marriage|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2015-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630142015/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5555&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://lezgetreal.com/|title=LEZ GET REAL - For Better World|website=LEZ GET REAL|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528120735/https://lezgetreal.com/|url-status=live}} The ruling was published in the official gazette on 28 April, giving the President twenty days to sign, or veto, the bill.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5650/20_Days_To_Decide_On_Gay_Marriage_In_Portugal|title=20 Days To Decide On Gay Marriage In Portugal|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2015-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303104647/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5650&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2010/04/28/politica/noticia/acordao-que-da-luz-verde-ao-casamento-gay-publicado-hoje-em-diario-da-republica-1434406|title=Acórdão que dá luz verde ao casamento "gay" publicado hoje em Diário da República|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220155328/https://www.publico.pt/2010/04/28/politica/noticia/acordao-que-da-luz-verde-ao-casamento-gay-publicado-hoje-em-diario-da-republica-1434406|url-status=live}} On 17 May 2010, Cavaco Silva signed the bill into law.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/portugal-s-president-signs-gay-marriage-bill-1.895904|title=Portugal's president signs gay marriage bill|work=CBC News|date=May 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025014339/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/portugal-s-president-signs-gay-marriage-bill-1.895904|archivedate=October 25, 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5734/Lawmakers_In_Portugal_Legalize_Gay_Marriage|title=Lawmakers In Portugal Legalize Gay Marriage|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022093705/http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5734/Lawmakers_In_Portugal_Legalize_Gay_Marriage|url-status=live}} The law was published in the Diário da República on 31 May and became effective on 5 June 2010. On 7 June, Teresa Pires and Helena Paixão, the couple who had originally challenged the same-sex marriage ban in court in 2006, became the first same-sex couple to marry in Portugal, exchanging vows at the registry office in Lisbon.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10256943|title=Portugal marks first gay marriage|work=BBC News |date=June 7, 2010|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=December 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226043711/https://www.bbc.com/news/10256943|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lesbian-couple-teresa-pires-and-helena-paixao-wed-in-portugal/news-story/e05e8e40f75565bb178ffc1e438d2e66|title=Two mums tie knot in first for Portugal|date=June 7, 2010|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}} The first same-sex marriage in the Azores was performed on 29 August 2010 on Terceira.{{cite web|url=https://ionline.sapo.pt/artigo/502022/gay-primeiro-casamento-homossexual-da-historia-foi-ha-15-anos?seccao=Mundo_i|title=Foi na Hollanda que tudo aconteceu. Dois homens casaram-se. Mas há mais lésbicas casadas do que gays. Em Portugal, é ao contrário|work=ionline.sapo.pt|date=1 April 2016|last=Madrinha|first=Mariana|language=pt|access-date=12 March 2021|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204200/https://ionline.sapo.pt/artigo/502022/gay-primeiro-casamento-homossexual-da-historia-foi-ha-15-anos?seccao=Mundo_i|url-status=live}}
Article 1577 of the Portuguese Civil Code was amended to read:{{cite web|url=https://dre.pt/web/guest/legislacao-consolidada/-/lc/106487514/201904181120/73408967/diploma/indice|title=Código Civil, Artigo 1577.°|work=dre.pt|language=pt|access-date=2019-09-15|archive-date=2022-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204201/https://dre.pt/dre/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/1966-34509075-49942975|url-status=live}} Marriage is a contract between two persons who intend to found a family through a full communion of life, in accordance with the provisions of this Code.{{efn|{{langx|pt|Casamento é o contrato celebrado entre duas pessoas que pretendem constituir família, mediante uma plena comunhão de vida, nos termos das disposições deste Código.}}}}
=Adoption bills=
On 24 February 2012, Parliament rejected two bills which would have allowed married same-sex couples to adopt children.{{Cite web|url=https://portuguese-american-journal.com/gay-rights-portuguese-lawmakers-defeat-adoption-bill-portugal/|title=Gay rights: Portuguese lawmakers defeat adoption bill – Portugal|website=www.portuguese-american-journal.com|date=25 February 2012|archive-date=9 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709095942/https://portuguese-american-journal.com/gay-rights-portuguese-lawmakers-defeat-adoption-bill-portugal/}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.deltaworld.org/international/Portugal-rejects-that-gay-couples-can-adopt/ |title=Portugal rejects that gay couples can adopt |access-date=2012-12-05 |archive-date=2018-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915165657/http://www.deltaworld.org/international/Portugal-rejects-that-gay-couples-can-adopt/ |url-status=dead }} On 17 May 2013, Parliament rejected a bill to allow same-sex couples to adopt children in a 104–77 vote. That same day, Parliament approved a bill in first reading to allow married same-sex couples to adopt their partner's children (i.e. stepchild adoption).{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/portugal-expands-adoption-rights-gay-couples-19200948#.UZZCSaJkSYQ|title=Portugal Expands Adoption Rights for Gay Couples|website=ABC News |access-date=2020-06-28|archive-date=2020-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511231744/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/portugal-expands-adoption-rights-gay-couples-19200948#.UZZCSaJkSYQ|url-status=live}} However, that bill was rejected in second reading on 14 March 2014 in a 107–112 vote.{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/actividadeparlamentar/paginas/detalheiniciativa.aspx?bid=37202|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915092527/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=37202|url-status=live}}
On 17 January 2014, Parliament approved a resolution to hold a referendum on adoption rights for same-sex couples.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jn.pt/politica/aprovado-referendo-sobre-coadocao-de-criancas-por-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-3637285.html|title=Aprovado referendo sobre coadoção de crianças por casais do mesmo sexo - JN|website=www.jn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2022-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204201/https://www.jn.pt/politica/aprovado-referendo-sobre-coadocao-de-criancas-por-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-3637285.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=38023|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619214229/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=38023|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c3246795a5868774d546f334e7a67774c336470626e526c654852766331396863484a76646d466b62334d764d6a41784e43395351564a664e6c3942587a49774d5451756347526d&fich=RAR_6_A_2014.pdf&Inline=true|title=Resolução da Assembleia da República n.º 6-A/2014|access-date=2016-01-02|archive-date=2016-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822053338/http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c3246795a5868774d546f334e7a67774c336470626e526c654852766331396863484a76646d466b62334d764d6a41784e43395351564a664e6c3942587a49774d5451756347526d&fich=RAR_6_A_2014.pdf&Inline=true|url-status=live}} On 28 January, President Cavaco Silva asked the Constitutional Court to verify whether the resolution was constitutional.{{Cite web|url=http://www.presidencia.pt/?action=1&msg=1&mn=4&idl=2|title=The information you are looking for is currently unavailable. - MESSAGE - PRESIDENCIA.PT|website=www.presidencia.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628191821/http://www.presidencia.pt/?action=1&msg=1&mn=4&idl=2|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jn.pt/politica/presidente-enviou-referendo-a-coadocao-para-o-tribunal-constitucional-3655216.html|title=Presidente enviou referendo à coadoção para o Tribunal Constitucional - JN|website=www.jn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2022-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204201/https://www.jn.pt/politica/presidente-enviou-referendo-a-coadocao-para-o-tribunal-constitucional-3655216.html|url-status=live}} The court declared the resolution unconstitutional on 19 February 2014,{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20140176s.html|title=TC > Jurisprudence > Summaries > Summary 176/2014|website=www.tribunalconstitucional.pt|access-date=2016-01-02|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220154518/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/en/acordaos/20140176s.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jn.pt/politica/referendo-sobre-coadocao-e-inconstitucional-3695601.html|title=Referendo sobre coadoção é inconstitucional - JN|website=www.jn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2022-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204201/https://www.jn.pt/politica/referendo-sobre-coadocao-e-inconstitucional-3695601.html|url-status=live}} and Cavaco Silva vetoed it the following day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jn.pt/politica/presidente-da-republica-devolve-ao-parlamento-proposta-sobre-coadocao-3697077.html|title=Presidente da República devolve ao parlamento proposta sobre coadoção - JN|website=www.jn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2022-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204201/https://www.jn.pt/politica/presidente-da-republica-devolve-ao-parlamento-proposta-sobre-coadocao-3697077.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://debates.parlamento.pt/catalogo/r3/dar/s2a/12/03/071/2014-02-21/2?pgs=2-26&org=PLC|title=Debates Parlamentares - Diário 071, p. 2 (2014-02-21)|website=debates.parlamento.pt|access-date=2016-01-02|archive-date=2018-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000316/http://debates.parlamento.pt/catalogo/r3/dar/s2a/12/03/071/2014-02-21/2?pgs=2-26&org=PLC|url-status=live}}
On 20 November 2015, Parliament approved 5 bills in first reading granting adoption rights to same-sex spouses. The bills were immediately sent to the Committee for Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/20/world/europe/ap-eu-portugal-gay-rights.html?partner=IFTTT&_r=1|title=Portugal Allows Same-Sex Adoption, Artificial Insemination (New York Times)|website=The New York Times |access-date=2017-03-03|archive-date=2020-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122062217/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/20/world/europe/ap-eu-portugal-gay-rights.html?partner=IFTTT&_r=1|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39757|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803121341/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39757|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39761|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808062028/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39761|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39802|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919185229/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39802|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39771|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808124759/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39771|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39804|title=DetalheIniciativa|website=www.parlamento.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929202049/https://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=39804|url-status=live}} On 16 December, the committee merged the bills into one project and voted for its approval.{{Cite web|url=http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c324679626d56304c334e706447567a4c31684a53556c4d5a5763765130394e4c7a464451554e45544563765247396a6457316c626e527663306c7561574e7059585270646d46446232317063334e6862793832595463785957566b5953307a5a5463334c5451774e44637459546c6c5a43316d4d324a6a4f574d7a5a4451314e324d756347526d&fich=6a71aeda-3e77-4047-a9ed-f3bc9c3d457c.pdf&Inline=true|title=Texto Final e Relatório da discussão e votação na especialidade CACDLG|access-date=2015-12-18|archive-date=2015-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135220/http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c324679626d56304c334e706447567a4c31684a53556c4d5a5763765130394e4c7a464451554e45544563765247396a6457316c626e527663306c7561574e7059585270646d46446232317063334e6862793832595463785957566b5953307a5a5463334c5451774e44637459546c6c5a43316d4d324a6a4f574d7a5a4451314e324d756347526d&fich=6a71aeda-3e77-4047-a9ed-f3bc9c3d457c.pdf&Inline=true|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2015/12/16/sociedade/noticia/adopcao-por-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-aprovada-na-especialidade-1717642|title=Adopção por casais do mesmo sexo aprovada na especialidade|website=PÚBLICO|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2016-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426210427/https://www.publico.pt/sociedade/noticia/adopcao-por-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-aprovada-na-especialidade-1717642|url-status=live}} On 18 December, the bill was approved by Parliament in its second, final vote.{{Cite web|url=https://observador.pt/2015/12/18/adocao-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-aprovada-17-do-psd-favor-passos-nao/|title=Adoção por casais do mesmo sexo aprovada. 17 do PSD a favor, Passos não|first=Agência|last=Lusa|website=Observador|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2017-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718155719/http://observador.pt/2015/12/18/adocao-casais-do-mesmo-sexo-aprovada-17-do-psd-favor-passos-nao/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/votacao-final-17-deputados-do-psd-votaram-a-favor-da-adocao-plena-4943871.html|title=Votação final: 17 deputados do PSD votaram a favor da adoção plena - DN|website=www.dn.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223145245/https://www.dn.pt/portugal/votacao-final-17-deputados-do-psd-votaram-a-favor-da-adocao-plena-4943871.html|url-status=live}} President Cavaco Silva vetoed the bill on 23 January 2016, with the decision being announced publicly on 25 January.{{Cite web|url=http://www.presidencia.pt/?action=1&msg=1&mn=4|title=De momento não existe a informação que procura. - MENSAGEM - PRESIDENCIA.PT|website=www.presidencia.pt|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514162328/http://www.presidencia.pt/?action=1&msg=1&mn=4|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2016/01/portugal-president-vetoes-bills-liberalizing-abortion-same-sex-adoption/|title=Portugal president vetoes bills liberalizing abortion, same-sex adoption|first=Ram|last=Eachambadi|website=www.jurist.org|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2018-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122071726/http://www.jurist.org/paperchase/2016/01/portugal-president-vetoes-bills-liberalizing-abortion-same-sex-adoption.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/portugal-s-outgoing-president-vetoes-gay-adoption-bill/article/455773|title=Portugal's outgoing president vetoes gay adoption bill|date=January 25, 2016|website=www.digitaljournal.com|access-date=January 26, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122001145/http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/portugal-s-outgoing-president-vetoes-gay-adoption-bill/article/455773|url-status=live}} On 10 February 2016, the veto was overridden by Parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rights-portugal-adoption-idUKKCN0VJ1Z0|title=Portugal parliament overturns veto on adoption by gay couples|date=February 10, 2016|via=uk.reuters.com|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712184137/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rights-portugal-adoption-idUKKCN0VJ1Z0|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2016/02/10/portugal_lawmakers_overturn_veto_on_gay_rights_abortion_law/|title=Portugal lawmakers overturn veto on gay rights, abortion law|access-date=2016-02-10|archive-date=2016-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312074604/http://www.salon.com/2016/02/10/portugal_lawmakers_overturn_veto_on_gay_rights_abortion_law/|url-status=live}} The law was published in the official journal on 29 February, and took effect the first day of the first month after publication (i.e. 1 March 2016).{{Cite web|url=http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c3246795a5868774d546f334e7a67774c336470626e526c654852766331396863484a76646d466b62334d764d6a41784e69394d587a4a664d6a41784e6935775a47593d&fich=L_2_2016.pdf&Inline=true|title=Lei n.º 2/2016 de 29 de fevereiro|access-date=2016-02-29|archive-date=2018-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927181934/http://app.parlamento.pt/webutils/docs/doc.pdf?path=6148523063446f764c3246795a5868774d546f334e7a67774c336470626e526c654852766331396863484a76646d466b62334d764d6a41784e69394d587a4a664d6a41784e6935775a47593d&fich=L_2_2016.pdf&Inline=true|url-status=live}}
Marriage statistics
By June 2011, one year after the law had come into force, approximately 380 same-sex marriages had taken place in Portugal.{{cite web|url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/actualidade/ha-um-casamento-homossexual-por-dia=f653520|title=Há um casamento homossexual por dia|website=Expresso|date=4 June 2011|language=pt|access-date=28 July 2018|archive-date=10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110040620/https://expresso.sapo.pt/actualidade/ha-um-casamento-homossexual-por-dia=f653520|url-status=live}}
Figures for 2020 are lower than previous years because of the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Religious performance
Most religious denominations in Portugal do not support same-sex marriage and do not allow their clergy to bless or officiate at marriages of same-sex couples. The Catholic Church was opposed to the law and, while Portugal is a constitutional secular country, its status as a historically Catholic country was also a reason for the media sensationalism which heightened the controversy over the law.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/life/Catholic+Portugal+legalize+marriage/2411507/story.html|title=Catholic Portugal set to legalize gay marriage|access-date=2010-05-19|archive-date=2010-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316050336/http://www.canada.com/life/Catholic+Portugal+legalize+marriage/2411507/story.html|url-status=live}} On 13 May 2010, during an official visit to Portugal four days before the ratification of the law, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage, describing it as "insidious and dangerous".{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5721/In_Portugal_Pope_Calls_Gay_Marriage_An_Insidious_Threat|title=In Portugal, Pope Calls Gay Marriage An 'Insidious' Threat|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2015-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905030833/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5721&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/7719789/Pope-says-gay-marriage-is-insidious-and-dangerous.html|title=Pope says gay marriage is 'insidious and dangerous'|first=Nick|last=Squires|date=May 13, 2010|via=www.telegraph.co.uk|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129213934/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7719789/Pope-says-gay-marriage-is-insidious-and-dangerous.html|url-status=live}} A few months earlier, 5,000 people had demonstrated against the legalization of same-sex marriage in a march in Lisbon.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/5304/Thousands_Protest_Portugals_Upcoming_Gay_Marriage_Law|title=Thousands Protest Portugal's Upcoming Gay Marriage Law|website=On Top Magazine|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=2012-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723052718/http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5304&MediaType=1&Category=24|url-status=live}} In December 2023, the Holy See published Fiducia supplicans, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless couples who are not considered to be married according to church teaching, including the blessing of same-sex couples.{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=JD |date=2023-12-22 |title=Is the 'false narrative' narrative a false narrative? |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=The Pillar |language=en|archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223121603/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |url-status=live }} The Portuguese Episcopal Conference welcomed the declaration.{{cite web|url=https://www.salesianos.pt/noticias/sobre-o-sentido-pastoral-das-bencaos-fiducia-supplicans/|title=Sobre o sentido pastoral das bênçãos: "Fiducia Supplicans"|language=pt|date=1 March 2024|work=Salesianos}} In September 2024, Father João Emanuel Pereir blessed a same-sex couple in Porto, which caused some controversy in Catholic circles.{{cite web|url=https://radiometropolitanaporto.pt/padre-do-porto-abencoa-uniao-gay-e-gera-polemica-no-clero/|language=pt|title=Paaddrree ddoo PPoorrttoo aabbeennççooaa uunniiããoo ggaayy ee ggeerraa ppoolléémmiiccaa nnoo cclleerro|date=24 September 2024|work=Rádio Metropolitana Porto}}
Some smaller Christian denominations also do not permit their clergy to solemnise or bless same-sex unions, including the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Portugal, the Portuguese Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church.{{Cite web |title=Palestra nos Rotários de Coimbra - Bispo Jorge Pina Cabral - Igreja Lusitana - Comunhão Anglicana - Anglican Church |url=https://www.igreja-lusitana.org/index.php/publicacoes/noticias/778-palestra-nos-rotarios-de-coimbra-bispo-jorge-pina-cabral |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=www.igreja-lusitana.org}}
Marriage norms
On 19 July 2010, the Institute of Registries and Notary ({{lang|pt|Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado}}) published the following rules on marriage:{{in lang|pt}} [http://www.casamentocivil.org/casamentocivil/DESP087.pdf Despacho 87/2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630065113/http://www.casamentocivil.org/casamentocivil/DESP087.pdf |date=2019-06-30 }}
- Marriages conducted abroad must be transcribed by civil registries even if they were performed before the legalization of same-sex marriage.
- Marriages performed under alternative legislation to civil marriage, such as civil partnerships and civil unions, cannot be transcribed.
- Foreign nationals can marry even if marriage between same-sex couples is not recognized in their country of origin.
- Same-sex foreign nationals can marry in Portugal without the need to establish residency.
- Co-adoptions with same-sex couples performed abroad are recognised in Portugal (amended in 2016).
Public opinion
The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 61% of Portuguese people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 33% were opposed.{{Cite web|url=http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122075042/http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Special Eurobarometer 437|archive-date=January 22, 2016}}
A Pew Research Center poll, conducted between April and August 2017 and published in May 2018, showed that 59% of Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage, 28% were opposed and 13% did not know or had refused to answer.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/religion-and-society/ Religion and society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718110549/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/religion-and-society/ |date=2018-07-18 }}, Pew Research Center, 29 May 2018 When divided by religion, 82% of religiously unaffiliated people, 64% of non-practicing Christians and 43% of church-attending Christians supported same-sex marriage.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/ Being Christian in Western Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925225152/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/ |date=2018-09-25 }}, Pew Research Center, 29 May 2018 Opposition was 14% among 18–34-year-olds.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/10/29/eastern-and-western-europeans-differ-on-importance-of-religion-views-of-minorities-and-key-social-issues/ Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103072336/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/10/29/eastern-and-western-europeans-differ-on-importance-of-religion-views-of-minorities-and-key-social-issues/ |date=2019-01-03 }}, Pew Research Center, 2017
The 2019 Eurobarometer found that 74% of Portuguese people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% were opposed.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|title=Eurobarometer on Discrimination 2019: The social acceptance of LGBTI people in the EU|publisher=European Commission|work=TNS|access-date=23 September 2019|page=2|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216133347/https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|url-status=live}} A 2023 Ipsos poll showed that 80% of Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage, while 11% supported civil unions or other types of partnerships but not marriage, 5% were undecided and 4% were opposed to all recognition for same-sex couples.{{cite web|url= https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2023-05/Ipsos%20LGBT%2B%20Pride%202023%20Global%20Survey%20Report%20-%20rev.pdf|title=LGBT+ Pride 2023 A 30-Country Ipsos Global Advisor Survey|accessdate=13 October 2023|work=Ipsos}} The 2023 Eurobarometer showed that support had increased to 81%, while 14% were opposed. The survey also found that 73% of Portuguese people thought that "there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex", while 23% disagreed.{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|title=Eurobarometer 2023: Discrimination in the European Union|access-date=1 January 2024|work=europa.eu}}
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Same-sex marriage in Europe}}
{{Status of same-sex unions}}