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.
Featured image and gallery: Truck Festival For almost thirty years, set within the rolling fields of Hill Farm in Steventon, Oxfordshire, Truck Festival has been a cornerstone of the British festival calendar. Dubbed the ‘godfather of the UK’s small festival scene’, the festival continues to live up to that title, with a line-up packed with…
Featured image: American Football – American Football album artwork The debut album has long been treated as a baptism of fire for artists – the deciding factor that determines whether a band will ‘make it’ or not. Some debuts set the tone for what follows: Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m…
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra come to the Palace Theatre in Manchester to celebrate the release of their new album, Night Blooms. Liverpool-based Brooke Combe opens the evening with a stripped-back set alongside her guitarist, her soulful vocals instantly captivating the crowd. Blending heartfelt performances with quick-witted…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Three decades after they first emerged in Manchester, Take That return home to the Etihad Stadium and deliver an unforgettable show, combining circus theatrics and crowd-pleasing hits from across their catalogue. Formed in 1990, the group have released multiple chart-topping albums and embarked on numerous world tours, including 2009’s…
Leave a reply