ABSTRACT
The number of jurisdictions recognising same-sex marriage and registered partnership has greatly increased. The mechanisms and methods by which they are achieved vary considerably, although dignity-based constitutional arguments have been used across jurisdictions. Meaningful protection often entails the prohibition of discrimination due to partnership status, and disputes have arisen concerning the ability of religious believers to withhold services from same-sex couples. International human rights treaties have varied in their response to claims relating to same-sex partnerships, and the legal position in certain socially conservative jurisdictions remains unfavourable.
