UK Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

The UK Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 legalized same-sex marriage in England and Wales from March 2014. It allows same-sex couples to marry and have those marriages recognized legally, providing equal rights and protections as heterosexual marriages. The Act also enables civil partnerships to be converted into marriages and extends certain marriage-related rights, such as adoption and family law protections. It marked a significant step towards equality, ensuring that same-sex couples can access the same legal status and social recognition as opposite-sex couples within the marriage system.