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Gay marriage

March 31, 2011

April 1 is the 10th anniversary of the first gay marriage in Europe. On that day in 2001, four same-sex couples tied the knot in the Netherlands - one of six European countries that has legalized gay marriage.

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A wedding ring is slipped on to a finger
Image: Frank May

Friday marks the 10th anniversary of the first gay marriage in Europe. On April 1, 2001, four same-sex couples were married in the Netherlands, the same day the Netherlands' same-sex marriage law came into effect.

In addition to the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Norway have legalized gay marriage in Europe.

In Germany, gay marriage is not recognized, but "registered partnerships" are allowed. These partnerships provide some, but not all, of the rights of marriage.

DW-WORLD takes a look at gay marriage rights in Europe.

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