German Parliament approves same-sex marriage

The Parliament of Germany in June 2017 voted by a wide margin to legalise same-sex marriage.

The parliament voted by 393 to 226 on 30 June 2017 in favour of same-sex marriage.

The decision came after Chancellor Angela Merkel changed her mind and stated that members of her ruling conservative bloc should follow their personal conscience rather than the party line.

The legislation allowing same-sex marriage in Germany passed the Bundestag on 30 June 2017 and is expected to go into effect in late 2017.

The reform gives full marital rights for same-sex couples and allows them to adopt children.

Background

• The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political and social issue. It is also a religious issue in many countries.

• For the people involved in same-sex relationships, this marriage gives legal protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights.

• The first law providing for marriage of people of the same sex in modern times was enacted in 2001 in the Netherlands.

• Same-sex marriage is legally recognized in the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay.

• Same-sex marriage is likely to soon become legal in Taiwan, after a constitutional court ruling in May 2017. It will become the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage if the Civil Code is amended.

• South Africa is the only African country where same-sex marriage is recognized.

• Israel recognises same-sex marriages performed overseas for some purposes.