An unofficial gay marriage ceremony in Berlin. Photo: DPAGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday softened for the first time her opposition to gay marriage, as her conservative party comes under growing pressure on the issue ahead of elections in September. Merkel, who had repeatedly voiced her opposition to gay marriage, said that lawmakers could vote according to their conscience, and not toe the party line. In a vote of conscience on gay marriage in the Bundestag (German parliament), a win for the proposal would be assured, according to DPA. Several politicians responded to Merkel’s comments by calling for a vote on gay marriage before the election - ideally this week.

Source: The Local June 26, 2017 22:07 UTC