News

Germany votes to legalise same sex marriage

0 177

 

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Your email address will not be published.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:

  • “Well-slept characters aren’t as interesting” – The minds behind ‘Misper’ on Manchester Film Festival and the allure of writing people on the edge

    Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….

  • Ignoring Izzy @ Fuel Café Bar review – a wonderfully bizarre set

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…

  • Rick Astley / Gabrielle @ Co-op Live review – Manchester will never give them up

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…

  • Chalk @ Gorilla review – unrelenting and endlessly energetic

    Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…