Same-sex union legislation marriages performed in the Netherlands are recognized in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry has been and remains the topic of debate worldwide. Thirty-four countries and four jurisdictions worldwide have passed constitutional amendments that explicitly prohibit the legal recognition of same-sex marriage and sometimes other forms of legal unions as well. Seventeen countries and twenty-nine jurisdictions worldwide have authorized civil unions or unregistered cohabitation for same-sex couples as an alternative to marriage. The legal name of those unions as well as the number of rights that they provide can vary greatly. The first
Recognition of same-sex unions in Asia Recognition of same-sex unions in Asia Debate has occurred throughout Asia over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions. Following a Constitutional Court ruling, Taiwan could become the first nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage by 24 May 2019. In addition, Israel and Armenia recognise same-sex marriages validly performed abroad. Israel recognises unregistered cohabitation for same-sex couples. Several cities in Japan, Taiwan and Cambodia provide same-sex couples with some limited rights and benefits, including hospital visitation rights. In Hong Kong, the same-sex partners of residents can receive spousal visas. China: On 5 January 2016, a court