Berlin: Germany legalised same-sex marriage on Friday despite the personal objections of Chancellor Angela Merkel, as the nation joined many other western democracies in granting gay and lesbian couples full rights including adoption. The gay marriage law passed by a margin of 393 to 226 on the parliament’s last day before the summer recess—a moment jubilant supporters celebrated by throwing confetti in the Bundestag. The reform reflects German public opinion, with polls showing three-quarters support granting full marriage rights to same-sex couples, who have since 2001 been allowed to live in so-called civil unions. She did however say that her thinking had changed on the question of child adoption by same-sex couples, which she long opposed. “Mrs Merkel, thanks for nothing!” said Johannes Kahrs, charging that she had blocked progress on gay and lesbian rights for years.

Source: Mint June 30, 2017 14:37 UTC