Will Iceland Be the Next Gay Marriage Nation?

by Michael Jones · 2010-04-12 10:52:00 UTC
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It's the country known for its skyr, volcanoes, hot springs, are for being the locale for what might have been the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Now, Iceland might be on its way to being known for something else: the next country in the world to legally recognize same-sex marriage.

It would be a fitting achievement for the country. Iceland already is known on one front when it comes to LGBT issues — in 2009, they became the first country in the world with an LGBT head of state, as Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir assumed office after a financial meltdown dissolved the government. As a popular cabinet minister, Sigurðardóttir took the reins.

Now she might be Prime Minister at a time when Iceland moves to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the latest European country to take the plunge. In March 2010, a gender neutral marriage bill was introduced. And by June 2010, the bill is expected to clear Iceland's Parliament with flying colors. Just in time for those who want to make Summer travel plans to get hitched.

It sounds like a bold move. And in many respects, it is historic. But Iceland has had a fairly long history of marching toward equal rights for its LGBT citizens. Iceland has been recognizing registered partnerships since the days of the Clinton administration (his first term, no less!), so this gender-neutral marriage law is a good decade and a half in the making. But it adds to the global momentum of marriage equality, which already got a much needed energy jolt earlier this year when Portugal moved to recognize same-sex marriage. (Portugal's move is still in the works, but looks pretty darn inevitable.)

So there you go. Iceland could be all set to provide your same-sex wedding needs. Hey, and for your wedding reception, you can have catered such national delicacies including cured ram scrota, and singed sheep heads!

Or, you know, just stick with their delicious yogurt.

Photo credit: msk

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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