Humanity Hallows Issue 6 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Hassan Irshad
Germany’s parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage, following a decision by Angela Merkel to allow a free vote on the issue, which she announced on June 26th.
Merkel, despite her reputation as an “increasingly influential liberal icon” as dubbed in an article by the Washington Post, voted against, placing herself among 226 lawmakers opposed to the legalisation of gay marriage. However, they were outnumbered by the 393 votes in favour.
The decision to allow a vote was the result of a “political ambush” by Merkel’s coalition allies – the Social Democrats, the Greens, Linke and Free Democrats – who “declared same-sex marriage law as a precondition for an alliance”, as reported by The Guardian. This was following her self-described “life changing experience”, where she had dined with a lesbian couple in her home constituency who cared for eight foster children together.
Despite the result’s clash with her personal views, which have “children’s welfare” as the basis of her opposition to same-sex marriage, Merkel has been optimistic, stating: “It was a long, intensive, and for many also emotional discussion, that goes for me personally too, and I’m hopeful not only that there will be respect for either side’s opinions, but that it will also bring about more peace and cohesion in society.”
Same-sex couples are expected to be able to marry by the end of the year.
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