German politicians have voted to legalise same-sex marriage in a snap
vote only days after Chancellor Angela Merkel changed her mind to allow a free
vote.
The move
brings Germany into line with many other European nations including France,
Britain and Spain, and follows Ms Merkel's surprise decision this week to allow
her politicians to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on
the issue.
Ms Merkel, who has long
opposed same-sex marriage — citing concerns over the welfare of children —
voted against the bill.
But she paved the way for
the vote after saying on Monday that politicians could take up the issue as a
"question of conscience". The bill will grant gay and
lesbian couples full marital rights, including child adoption.
Hundreds of gay activists,
some with painted faces, celebrated outside the Bundestag lower house of
parliament after the vote, waving rainbow flags and placards that read:
"Marriage for all — make love for all."
The vote
has particular resonance in Germany as it unwinds a legacy of virulent
homophobia.
Earlier this year,
Parliament agreed to grant compensation to thousands of gay men jailed under a
19th century law that was strengthened by the Nazis and only dropped in 1969
when homosexuality was decriminalised in West Germany.
A total of 393 politicians
voted to legalising "marriage for everybody", while 226 voted against
and four abstained.
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