News

Germany votes to legalise same sex marriage

0 159

 

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.

 

About the author / 

Humanity Hallows

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • A Mural for Mani – Manchester music legend to be immortalised with mural in his hometown

    Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…

  • London Fashion Week A/W 2026: The new designers shaping tomorrow

    Featured image: Evie Peattie  Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…

  • “It’s easy to lose yourself to this music”: Deptford Northern Soul club lead new wave of Northern Soul

    Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…

  • Harry is Home: From the BRITs to a Manchester one-night-only show – everything to know about Harry Styles’ return

    Featured image: Evangeline Causton  Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…