Germany legalises same-sex marriage

Today, Germany’s parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriage. In a free vote, politicians decided by 393 votes to 226 to change the country’s legal code, redefining marriage as a union “entered into for life by two people of different or the same sex”. Same-sex couples have previously only been able to enter a civil union. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, voted against the change, citing her personal belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. The law change is likely to come in before the end of this year. Twelve out of forty-five European countries have now voted to redefine marriage. We hope that other nations will remain strong in their stance on marriage, as Lithuania has just done. It will always remain the life-long union of one man and one woman.