Marriage and union for all in Europe: Review, results and outlook for Europe

Résumé En

Marriage has constantly reflected social change. The abolition of segregation laws and the end of colonial empires removed the racial prohibitions that prevented individuals from participating fully in the institution of marriage. The advent of secularism and greater tolerance of faiths other than Christianity have enabled religious minorities to enter civil marriage. Equality for women has also made it possible to co-manage the household and share parental responsibilities. This is why, today, neither race, nor nationality, nor religion, nor even gender is an impediment to marriage. Nor are belonging to the same ethnic group, spiritual communion or the subordination of women barriers to marriage. On the other hand, people of the same sex, whether they are men or women, Jewish, atheist or Catholic, white or black, are not yet recognised in all European countries as couples enjoying the same rights as those formed by people of different sexes. It was not until the end of the 20th century that the issue of marriage for all was really debated in Europe.