Equal rights

There are just a handful of countries around the world that give equal rights to same-sex couples, and many of them are in Europe. The UK and France have recently passed equal marriage legislation through their parliaments - though these bills have caused considerable controversy and led to heated public debate. Meanwhile, Germany mulls strengthening equal rights for gay couples.

Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal already allow gay marriage - though the situation further east in Europe is very different. Societies there are much less willing to recognize homosexuality, and gay couples sometimes fighting for basic human rights. DW looks at the issues facing same-sex couples across the continent.