Since June 2010 same-sex marriage was legalised in Iceland replacing older legislation of confirmed cohabitation which was in place since 1996. This means the wording of marriage legislation includes matrimony between "man and man, woman and woman" and upgrades same sex marriege to be fully equal with marriage.
2010 legislation replaces 1996 legislation of 'Confirmed cohabitation'
Since 1996 two individuals of the same sex could apply to district commissioners (sýslumenn) and their legally qualified representatives to enter into a 'confirmed cohabitation'. Since 2008 same sex couples could register their partnership in church or any other religious congregation as well as with a civil registrar. Lesbians and gay men in a 'confirmed cohabitation' had the same rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples but to enter into a confirmed cohabitation, one or both individuals must be Icelandic citizens, and both must have had legal residence Iceland for a minimum of two years. In June 2010 same-sex marriage was legalised in Iceland replacing older legislation of 'confirmed cohabitation'. This means the wording of marriage legislation includes matrimony between "man and man, woman and woman" and upgrades same sex marriege to be fully equal with marriage.
Registered cohabitation
Two individuals of the same sex can register their cohabitation with the National Register (Borgartún 24) and thereby receive the same social rights as heterosexuals with regards to social security, taxation, labour law and municipal social services. Icelandic citizens do not need to be residents of Iceland to register a partnership.
