Same-sex marriage legalised in Germany: Gay couples granted adoption rights
In a watershed moment for Germany, the nation’s parliament supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The move was hailed by LGBT rights activists and Leftist parties
)
In a watershed moment for Germany, the nation's parliament supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The move was hailed by gay activists and Leftist parties. Reuters
The move brings Germany in line with other European nations like France, Britain, and Spain. Volker Beck celebrates after a session of the Lower House of Parliament, the Bundestag, voted on legalising same-sex marriage. Reuters
After the decision was passed, hundreds of LGBT rights activists celebrated outside the Bundestag after the vote. The activists are seen waving rainbow flags and placards that read "Marriage for all - make love for all." Reuters
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the bill. Merkel did so since she believed that marriage, under German law, can only be between a man and a woman. But she added that her decision was a personal one. Merkel had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children. Reuters
The Catholic Church said that it regretted the decision. "An appreciation of same-sex cohabitation can also be expressed by a different institutional design," said Archbishop Heiner Kochof of Berlin. Reuters