Denmark marks 25 years since world’s first same-sex unions
It has been 25 years since Denmark became the first country in the world to recognise same-sex civil unions.
Denmark began to recognise registered partnerships for same-sex couples on October 1 1989 – marking the world’s first legal recognition of gay relationships.
Ivan Larsen and Ove Carlsen, who were one of the first gay couples to register their partnership, are still together a quarter of a century later.
Ivan Larsen told the BBC: “It was a marvellous day. We had been fighting for the partnerships for many many years.
“When I met Ove, I knew that this was the man for me.”
It was over two decades later that the country fully recognised same-sex marriage in 2012 – but the couple say they have always considered themselves married.
Ove Carlsen added: “I have always talked about Ivan as my husband, and I think it’s strange to call him my partner.
“It was a very strange day. The sun was shining, we were driven in horse-drawn carriages through Copenhagen.”
Mr Larsen added: “Denmark has had this partnership law – now same-sex marriage – for 25 years. It has been normal.
“In fact, sometimes I think it has been so normal that it isn’t worth discussing.”
Watch the clip below:
