Same-sex marriage in the Faroe Islands

Legislative journey

Efforts to allow same-sex unions began after the 2012 Tórshavn pride parade. Early bills submitted in late 2013 failed due to opposition within the governing coalition. A new proposal arrived in November 2015 after the elections. It faced delays and amendments regarding church blessings. The Løgting finally approved the bill in April 2016 by a vote of 19 to 14. The Danish Folketing then passed the necessary amendments unanimously in April 2017. Royal assent followed in May, allowing the law to start in July.

Church exemption

Concerns about state church involvement led to specific protections. Members of parliament worried that civil marriages would automatically receive religious blessings. To address this, the Welfare Committee proposed removing or rephrasing relevant sections of the Danish Marriage Act. Later, in May 2017, the Løgting voted 18 to 14 to exempt the Church of the Faroe Islands from officiating or blessing same-sex ceremonies. This ensured that religious institutions could not be forced to participate against their beliefs.

Parental rights update

Equality extended beyond the wedding ceremony itself. In December 2021, the parliament passed two bills guaranteeing equal parentage rights for married same-sex couples. These laws covered matters like parental leave and financial support. Prime Minister Bárður á Steig Nielsen supported the measures, stating that all parents deserve equal treatment. The changes went into effect on 1 January 2022, ensuring that families formed through same-sex marriage had the same legal standing as others.

Public opinion trends

Support for the law has grown over time. Polls from 2013 and 2014 showed majorities in favor, though regional differences existed. Younger voters and those in the capital area tended to support the change more strongly. By September 2019, a poll found that 71 percent of respondents opposed repealing the law. Political affiliation remained a strong predictor of views, with left-leaning parties showing high support and conservative parties showing more resistance.

How Same-sex marriage in the Faroe Islands is kept

Couples apply for marriage under the amended Marriage Act. They may choose a civil ceremony at a city hall or a religious one if the officiant agrees. The first such wedding occurred in September 2017 between two British nationals in Tórshavn. Couples gain full legal recognition, including inheritance and tax benefits. Parental rights are equalized for both partners regarding children.

When and where

The law has been active since 1 July 2017. Couples can marry on any day thereafter. The date was set by royal decree after parliamentary approval.

The custom applies throughout the Faroe Islands. It is strongest in urban centers like Tórshavn where support polls showed higher percentages. The legal framework requires coordination with Denmark for final enactment.

What Same-sex marriage in the Faroe Islands means

The law represents equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. It marks the end of a period where registered partnerships were unavailable. The exemption for the church highlights a balance between civil rights and religious freedom.

Who takes part

• The couple: Apply for marriage and exchange vows
• The Løgting: Passes the initial legislation
• The Folketing: Approves amendments to Danish law
• The Queen: Gives royal assent to the law
• The Church: Remains exempt from officiating

If you are a guest

Guests attend the ceremony as witnesses. They celebrate the union without special restrictions. The event follows standard wedding etiquette unless otherwise specified by the couple.

Then and now

The law remains in force. Recent updates have expanded parental rights. Public support continues to be high, with most voters opposing repeal. The practice is stable and widely accepted in modern Faroese society.

Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in the Faroe Islands

See also

Same-sex marriage in DenmarkThe legal recognition of same-sex unions in Denmark since 2012, following a pioneering partnership law from 1989.More danicoA Medieval Scandinavian marriage custom allowing polygyny and secular unions outside church control.Recognition of same-sex unions in ItalyThe legal framework that grants same-sex couples rights and protections in Italy.Recognition of same-sex unions in VanuatuThe legal status and history of marriage equality for same-sex couples in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

Good reading and sources

• Same-sex marriage in the Faroe Islands on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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 2026-10-06.