German Parliament Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Germany’s parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage by 393 votes to 226, despite Angela Merkel opposing the move. The German Chancellor was seen voting with a red card, indicating a no vote, at the end of a heated debate in the Bundestag. “For me, marriage in German law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today,” she told reporters moments after the historic vote.  “I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.” The Chancellor said she supported the bill’s introduction of full adoption rights for same-sex couples – a move she had previously opposed – and was fighting anti-LGBT discrimination.

June 29 / The Independent