Since the earliest days of civilization, human beings have engaged in sexual activity for pleasure, procreation, and bonding. The history of same-sex marriage is closely tied to changes in society, religion, and law. Before the industrial revolution, same-sex relationships were not considered marriageable. In Europe, homosexuality was criminalized and seen as sinful, but this attitude began to shift in the late nineteenth century when activists argued that gay people deserved equal rights. As public attitudes changed, laws were revised, and some countries legalized same-sex marriages.
Many societies continue to oppose the practice, citing religious and cultural reasons. This paper will explore how European societal, religious, and legal frameworks shaped public attitudes toward same-sex marriage historically, examining its evolution from criminalized acts to legally recognized unions.
Ancient Greece
In ancient Greece, same-sex relationships were common among young men who had yet to marry women. They formed pederastic bonds where an older man mentored a younger one, teaching him about sex, education, and citizenship. These relationships often lasted years or even decades. Although these relationships were accepted, Greek society did not consider them marriages. Instead, they were viewed as part of male friendship and socializing.
Roman Empire
The Romans also tolerated same-sex relationships, but only between adult males. They saw them as a way for men to express their masculinity and strength outside of military life or political office. Same-sex relationships were often viewed as private matters and generally kept hidden from public view. Marriage was considered exclusively heterosexual.
Middle Ages
With the rise of Christianity, same-sex relationships were condemned as immoral and sinful. The Church forbade all sexual activity outside of procreative marriage between a man and woman. Homosexuality was seen as contrary to nature and punishable by excommunication, imprisonment, or death. Even when people engaged in same-sex activities, they kept it secret due to fear of persecution.
Renaissance
During the Renaissance, humanism rekindled interest in classical literature and art, including works that celebrated homoeroticism. Some scholars argued that male love was superior to female love because it was more spiritual and intellectual.
The Catholic Church continued to condemn homosexuality, and sodomy remained a capital offense in many countries.
Industrial Revolution
In the nineteenth century, activists began arguing that gay people deserved equal rights. They pointed out that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed through behavior modification. They demanded legal protections for gay people, especially against discrimination and violence. By the early twentieth century, some European countries had decriminalized same-sex relations.
First World War
The First World War brought together soldiers who felt free to express themselves sexually without social constraints. After the war, there was increased pressure on governments to allow same-sex marriages. In 1930s Germany, Nazi ideology saw homosexuality as an abomination and sought to eradicate it through eugenics programs.
Postwar Europe
After World War II, public attitudes toward homosexuality softened, but legalization did not come until later. In 20010, Norway became the first country to recognize same-sex marriage, followed by other Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. Today, over twenty nations have legalized same-sex unions. Despite this progress, religious and cultural opposition remains strong in many parts of Europe.