In the ten years since Denmark became the first country to provide for same-sex unions, tens of countries have added civil union rights for its citizen. At present, most of Europe, including Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, U.K. Sweden and Norway allow for civil unions, as does Australia, Canada, many parts of South America and, increasingly so, many states in the United States. These trends are likely to continue.
While legalized same-sex unions benefit many businesses, the online jewelry business in particular has seen added sales as more same-sex partners formalize their relationship and exchange rings.