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Recognition of same-sex unions in Suriname
The legal status of same-sex marriage and civil partnerships in Suriname.
Suriname does not legally recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. A 2025 court order required the government to register two specific couples married abroad, marking a shift in how international treaties are applied to local family law.
Same-sex couples in Suriname cannot marry under national law. The Civil Code defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This restriction denies partners rights to inheritance, tax benefits, and adoption. Recent court rulings have challenged this ban by citing international human rights obligations.
Legal framework and restrictions
Article 80 of the Civil Code explicitly limits marriage to opposite-sex pairs. While the Constitution protects the family, it does not define marriage terms. Same-sex partners lack access to domestic violence protections, pension rights, and inheritance laws that apply to married couples. The government has stated that existing pension acts do not extend to same-sex partners.
Court challenges and rulings
In January 2023, the Constitutional Court upheld the marriage ban. It ruled that the ban did not violate the Constitution or international treaties. However, the court noted the Civil Code needed modernization. In February 2025, a different judge ordered the registration of two couples who married in Argentina. The ruling cited conflicts with international treaties and imposed fines for non-compliance.
Indigenous and religious views
Some Indigenous groups historically recognized two-spirit individuals who formed same-sex unions. These identities remain part of cultural heritage but lack formal legal recognition. The Catholic Church opposes same-sex marriage. Priests may offer blessings under new Vatican guidelines, but these do not constitute marriage. Pentecostal groups strongly oppose such unions.
Public opinion trends
Support for same-sex marriage has grown over time. A 2010 poll showed only 10.3% support. By 2023, the AmericasBarometer indicated support had risen to 20%. Activists continue to push for legislative changes following recent court victories. Political parties are expected to address these rulings during upcoming sessions.
When and where
Suriname
Who takes part
- The Constitutional Court: Upheld the ban on same-sex marriage in 2023
- Judge Shanti Bikhari: Ordered registration of two foreign marriages in 2025
- The Central Bureau for Civil Affairs: Refused initial recognition of Argentine marriage licenses
- LGBT activists: Called for legal reform based on international treaties
Then and now
Recent court orders require the government to register specific same-sex marriages. Activists hope this leads to broader legal reforms. The Civil Code remains outdated, and political parties face pressure to update legislation. Public support continues to rise gradually.
Questions people ask about Recognition of same-sex unions in Suriname
Is same-sex marriage legal in Suriname?
No. The Civil Code defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples cannot marry locally.
Are civil unions recognized?
No. Suriname does not offer legal protection for unregistered cohabitation or civil unions for same-sex couples.
What happened in the 2025 court case?
A judge ordered the government to register two couples who married in Argentina, citing international treaty obligations.
See also
Recognition of same-sex unions in ItalyThe legal framework that grants same-sex couples rights and protections in Italy.Unregistered cohabitation in IsraelLegal recognition for same-sex couples living together without a formal religious or civil wedding ceremony.Polygamy in UzbekistanThe practice of men taking multiple wives in a country where the law strictly forbids it.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Recognition of same-sex unions in Suriname", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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