Same-Sex Marriages Begin in Greenland

Greenland's same-sex marriage law went into effect today, April 1st. No, it's not a joke.

The marriage bill, which is an adoption of Denmark's matrimonial laws, was passed unanimously by both the Greenlandic Parliament and Danish Parliament in May last year.

It took two years for the bill to be approved. The same-sex marriage bill was presented in 2014, but put on hold because Greenland's ex-Prime Minister had to step down.

After new elections, the marriage bill was approved by the Greenlandic Parliament on a vote of 27-0.

This unanimous vote allows the island, an autonomous Danish territory, to celebrate same-sex weddings, with the approval of Greenland's Bishop, who has welcomed the arrival of a gender-neutral marriage law.

The Church of Greenland worked closely with the government to amend the portion of the Danish law that covered same-sex blessings in religious weddings. The joint adoption clause that was included in Greenland's new Marriage Act will go into effect on July 1st.

A statement on the Greenlandic Parliament's website celebrated the beginning of a new era of marriage equality. Nivi Olsen, the Minister of the Chuch in Greenland, wrote:

"We have long waited for this day. To have the opportunity to enter into marriage means a lot to many couples regardless of the gender of one's partner. I am therefore pleased that a united Parliament adopted in 2010, finally made it a reality."

"The Government warmly welcomes this new opportunity and the national church rejoices that we are ready for the new era."

Tillykke, Greenland!
(Congratulations!)