first month after its publication (i.e. 1 March 2016). Marriage statistics One year after the law came into force, approximately 380 same-sex marriages had taken place in Portugal. Figures for 2020 are lower than previous years because of the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opposition A number of groups opposed legalizing same-sex marriage during the process of discussion and have continued to do so after ratification. The Catholic Church in Portugal was opposed to the law and, while Portugal is a constitutional secular country, its status as a historically Catholic country was also a reason for the media sensationalism which heightened the controversy over the law. On 13 May 2010, during an official visit to Portugal four days before the ratification of the law, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage, describing it as "insidious and dangerous". A few months earlier, 5,000 people had demonstrated against the legalization of same-sex marriage in a march in Lisbon. Marriage norms On 19 July 2010, the Institute of Registries and Notary (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) published the following rules on marriage: Marriages conducted abroad must be transcribed by civil registries even if they were performed before the legalization of same-sex marriage; Marriages performed under alternative legislation to civil marriage, such as civil partnerships and civil unions, cannot be transcribed; Foreign nationals can marry even if marriage between same-sex couples is not recognized in their country of origin; Same-sex foreign nationals can marry in Portugal without the need to establish residency; Co-adoptions with same-sex couples performed abroad are recognised in Portugal. (Amended in 2016) Public opinion The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 61% of Portuguese people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 33% were opposed. A Pew Research Center poll, conducted between April and August 2017 and published in May 2018, showed that 59% of Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage, 28% were opposed and 13% did not know or refused to answer. When divided by religion, 82% of religiously unaffiliated people, 64% of non-practicing Christians and 43% of church-attending Christians supported same-sex marriage. Opposition was 14% among 18–34-year-olds. The 2019 Eurobarometer found that 74% of Portuguese people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% were opposed. See also De facto union in Portugal LGBT rights in Portugal Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe Notes References LGBT rights in Portugal Portugal 2010 in