Given that Germany had a history of formalized homosexuality in its military, and that Germans have always admired cowboys and mountain men (you can't find more-homoerotic images than that), it's surprising that this has taken so long. It gives another reason to be proud my ancestors were German,
1
Germany has a large Islamic population. Let's see how they feel about this new law. Merkel will do anything to get re-elected. I am so glad I don't live there anymore.
The leader of the free world (because she's a grown-up and takes responsibility for her actions) wouldn't let her own personal views to stand in the way of progress and moving Germany forward. Love wins and pragmatism wins. Bravo!
2
Dutch were the first ever bringing into law legalizing same-sex marriage in 2001 with many neighbors following suit within that decade. I'm relative comparison this is a terribly slow start in Germany which is deeply divided by traditions between the north and the south.
This country has a long way to go to reach the level of enlightenment as some of its neighbors and the Nordics. I'm not so sure if the political willingness happened due to conviction rather than compulsion, as noted from softening of Merkel's stance, which is mostly due to the elections around the corner.
This country has a long way to go to reach the level of enlightenment as some of its neighbors and the Nordics. I'm not so sure if the political willingness happened due to conviction rather than compulsion, as noted from softening of Merkel's stance, which is mostly due to the elections around the corner.
3
Not buried, exactly, but... embedded halfway through the article:
"The country was jolted in the direction of approving same-sex marriage last weekend, when two major political parties said they would make the legislation a condition of any future coalition agreement with the Christian Democrats, who are not expected to win enough seats in September to govern alone."
In other words, she needed to allow this vote in order to hold onto power (or, if you prefer, for her *party* to hold onto power). Justice under duress.
"The country was jolted in the direction of approving same-sex marriage last weekend, when two major political parties said they would make the legislation a condition of any future coalition agreement with the Christian Democrats, who are not expected to win enough seats in September to govern alone."
In other words, she needed to allow this vote in order to hold onto power (or, if you prefer, for her *party* to hold onto power). Justice under duress.
7
Consider it a compromise.
1
"...Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly relaxed her party’s opposition to same-sex marriage..."
"...she continued to believe that marriage ought to remain a union between a man and a woman."
It looks as if Ms. Merkel is finally starting to recognize her equals.
Now all she has to do is mind her own business.
"...she continued to believe that marriage ought to remain a union between a man and a woman."
It looks as if Ms. Merkel is finally starting to recognize her equals.
Now all she has to do is mind her own business.
2
Slow clap. Germany took longer than Alabama.
6
It is safe to say that neither Thomas, Roberts, Alito nor Gorsuch will be vacationing in Germany any time soon (much less the overwhelming majority of Congressional Republicans) — and why would they?
After all, Germany has once again proven itself to be an enlightened twenty-first century nation, whose actions are predicated on basic decency and evidence-based reality — rather than Bronze Age dogma having nothing to do with either (not to mention a cruel and hateful ideology).
After all, Germany has once again proven itself to be an enlightened twenty-first century nation, whose actions are predicated on basic decency and evidence-based reality — rather than Bronze Age dogma having nothing to do with either (not to mention a cruel and hateful ideology).
9
“If gay marriage is decided, then many will receive something, but nobody will have something taken away.”
The argument for gay marriage doesn't get much simpler. No matter how much of a right wing conservative you are, you're not losing anything when two men or two women down the street get married. Maybe that's why most of the USA's conservatives gave up and starting arguing about issues like businesses being 'forced' to sell equally to everyone, regardless of what sort of wedding the cake/flowers/whatever are going to be used at.
The argument for gay marriage doesn't get much simpler. No matter how much of a right wing conservative you are, you're not losing anything when two men or two women down the street get married. Maybe that's why most of the USA's conservatives gave up and starting arguing about issues like businesses being 'forced' to sell equally to everyone, regardless of what sort of wedding the cake/flowers/whatever are going to be used at.
14
The avant-garde 50 years ago wanted to be rid of marriage. It was considered a repressive institution. Now what was once considered an outmoded cultural form is being celebrated as it extends its power... Is this really a victory for self-expression or a defeat? I would guess this: now that marriage is available to non-heterosexuals, some will mount a campaign against it as a repressive heterosexual institution...
2
Burroughs: Ultimately, the matter of same sex marriage is one of rights, not whether the married state is desirable or not. Clearly, in many instances it is not, otherwise, there would be no divorce, spousal conflicts and abuse, even rape and murder. Marriage is an institution, after all, with both politics and religion having a stake in it. However, a couple ought to have the right to enter into this state or denounce and reject it, such as your last sentence suggests will happen. Contrary to what the religious and conservative say about its purpose and who should enter it, it is not inviolable. It's simply a human creation, and a fairly modern one too as we see it practiced today.
1
Love is Love Chancellor Merkel. Very proud of your love. You loved enough to live and let live, Wish we had this in America.
7
Germany's embrace of 'marriage equality' was not imposed by judicial caveat. It was the result of a conscious choice of the people's elected representatives. A vast difference. Note, too, that were the same case that resulted in gay marriage here brought to today's Supreme Court in the US one might reasonably expect a dramatically different outcome.
I'd also like to add that those who decry Chancellor Merkel's personal vote forget that Barack Obama only became an advocate of gay marriage after he was essentially shoved into that position by Joe Biden.
I'd also like to add that those who decry Chancellor Merkel's personal vote forget that Barack Obama only became an advocate of gay marriage after he was essentially shoved into that position by Joe Biden.
5
While I am delighted that Germany has voted to allow gay marriage, I am also deeply saddened by Angela Merkel's no vote. I look upon MS Merkel as the leading European proponent of democratic government and human rights. She has stood steadfast for the EU and its democratizing influence on the former communist states in Eastern Europe, she condemned the imprisonment and torture of gay men in Chechnya and has been a bulwark against rising ant-Semitism both on the right and the left in Europe.
But every nation has its own politics. While, MS Merkel's party, the Christian Democrats and its sister Bavarian party, the Christian Social Union, were doubtlessly put under intense pressure by the Catholic bishops, and many likeminded Conservatives, democracy ultimately prevailed and gay and Lesbian Germans have made an enormous stride toward full citizenship.
But every nation has its own politics. While, MS Merkel's party, the Christian Democrats and its sister Bavarian party, the Christian Social Union, were doubtlessly put under intense pressure by the Catholic bishops, and many likeminded Conservatives, democracy ultimately prevailed and gay and Lesbian Germans have made an enormous stride toward full citizenship.
11
Harry,
I am fully with you. Just for the records, AM voted against it.
I am fully with you. Just for the records, AM voted against it.
2
Dieter, Harry says that in the first sentence of his comment.
1
It would be more appropriately to say that in this case democracy did not so much prevail as it did finally acknowledge what the American Declaration of Independence recognized as an unalienable individual right that is not subject to the caprice of democratic tyranny.
Everyone talks about the rapidness of the vote, but what I find most shocking is that a single person, here Merkel, could decide not to allow a vote all these years, and then, pouf, she meets a lesbian couple, has a change of heart, decides to allows vote: Gay rights dependent on the whims of a leader.
15
@Joconde - No, the politics of it was different. In the current Bundestag, which effectively drew to a close today (general election will be in September after summer recess) there was a coalition between Merkel's party (CDU plus sister CSU) and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD). Coalitions work that way that during their tenure partners vote on things they agree on and do not vote against each other. Remember, in all continental European countries except France there is always coalition politics, with currently 5 parties in the Bundestag (due to a proportional representation electoral system);
Essentially, Merkel indicated in an interview just days ago that her party may move towards accepting gay marriage some time into the future. the SPD make a rapid move and said: We'll take your word for it right now and force a vote in the Bundestag - knowing that together with the opposition (currently to left parties) would give a majority for gay marriage. Essentially they ended the coalition with Merkel a couple months early. And so it happened. Merkel could not have won this vote today. So no official party line was decided for today's vote and some number of CDU members voted yes as well.
Merkel knew that these are the signs of the times and there is some 70% polling in favor of gay marriage in Germany. So fighting against it had become a losing proposition. Knowing when to hold'em and when to fold'em.
Essentially, Merkel indicated in an interview just days ago that her party may move towards accepting gay marriage some time into the future. the SPD make a rapid move and said: We'll take your word for it right now and force a vote in the Bundestag - knowing that together with the opposition (currently to left parties) would give a majority for gay marriage. Essentially they ended the coalition with Merkel a couple months early. And so it happened. Merkel could not have won this vote today. So no official party line was decided for today's vote and some number of CDU members voted yes as well.
Merkel knew that these are the signs of the times and there is some 70% polling in favor of gay marriage in Germany. So fighting against it had become a losing proposition. Knowing when to hold'em and when to fold'em.
7
Congrats to LGBTers in Germany!
I think Merkel is a bit worrisome, though. She doesn't understand that she, as a female, would not be in the position she holds but for the fact Germany was required to adopt an English-style constitution after losing its war of aggression in WWII (France was not required to do this; they still, in a 1000 years, have not had an adult female leader while the English have had many). The "Anglo-Saxons" were originally Germanic tribes, but they amalgamated with the Norse (another originally Germanic tribe) in long objection to Roman Empire laws in the English Midlands to form the Middle English of Chaucer. Middle English dropped the artificial gendering of its German roots, and led to the "person of law" in the Constitutions of Clarendon, the Great Charter (Magna Carta) and the 1689 Bill of Rights, all foundational documents of the Anglo-legal jurisdictions that differ markedly from the Continent/Ireland, the EU Treaties the Latin America.
The "person" and "citizen" is the fundamental unit of right and responsibility in the Anglo-legal jurisdictions, in sharp contrast to the "rights of man" of the French constitution, the "responsibilities of woman" of the Ireland constitution, the "rights of man/responsibilities of woman" of Latin America.
By the 1689 English Bill of Rights, the word "man" doesn't appear at all. It's not in the US Const either, except as a counting device for enforcement compliance (i.e. nonoperative language) in the 14th A.
I think Merkel is a bit worrisome, though. She doesn't understand that she, as a female, would not be in the position she holds but for the fact Germany was required to adopt an English-style constitution after losing its war of aggression in WWII (France was not required to do this; they still, in a 1000 years, have not had an adult female leader while the English have had many). The "Anglo-Saxons" were originally Germanic tribes, but they amalgamated with the Norse (another originally Germanic tribe) in long objection to Roman Empire laws in the English Midlands to form the Middle English of Chaucer. Middle English dropped the artificial gendering of its German roots, and led to the "person of law" in the Constitutions of Clarendon, the Great Charter (Magna Carta) and the 1689 Bill of Rights, all foundational documents of the Anglo-legal jurisdictions that differ markedly from the Continent/Ireland, the EU Treaties the Latin America.
The "person" and "citizen" is the fundamental unit of right and responsibility in the Anglo-legal jurisdictions, in sharp contrast to the "rights of man" of the French constitution, the "responsibilities of woman" of the Ireland constitution, the "rights of man/responsibilities of woman" of Latin America.
By the 1689 English Bill of Rights, the word "man" doesn't appear at all. It's not in the US Const either, except as a counting device for enforcement compliance (i.e. nonoperative language) in the 14th A.
5
“If gay marriage is decided, then many will receive something, but nobody will have something taken away.”
I wish more people realized this. If you disapprove of gay marriage and it's legalized, what happens to you? Nothing. You don't lose anything. Just let people marry who they want.
I wish more people realized this. If you disapprove of gay marriage and it's legalized, what happens to you? Nothing. You don't lose anything. Just let people marry who they want.
22
Equality is important for Economy. Do the Math (=).
6
Congratulations and love to LGBTQ and ally Germans! I am basking in your happiness from across the sea right now. :-)
6
Always remember, Merkel is a conservative, and she has to be, because if she would be to liberal, many germans would head for more far right parties.
This may be a defeat for Merkel, but it is in so many ways a great victory for germany. It is a gain, that nearly all other parties and even many representatives from her own party voted against her, this is what a parliament does when it sense that the head of state got something wrong, even someone like Merkel. They unite across all partylines and do what they think is the right thing.
This may be a defeat for Merkel, but it is in so many ways a great victory for germany. It is a gain, that nearly all other parties and even many representatives from her own party voted against her, this is what a parliament does when it sense that the head of state got something wrong, even someone like Merkel. They unite across all partylines and do what they think is the right thing.
13
Matthias,
I think it is a win for her, she has no longer has to defend her view during poll season.
I think it is a win for her, she has no longer has to defend her view during poll season.
9
So, Trump, who has supported gay marriage for years, is more of a champion for gay rights than Angela Merkel.
3
Uh, Trump has never stated support for gay marriage.
9
Until the stories on its legalization of gay marriage started showing up in the news, I thought Germany did this years go. Am I the only one? Anyway, a welcome victory for love and understanding over intolerance.
7
You weren't the only one. I always assume that all of Europe is ahead of the US when it comes to... everything, I guess. And shame on Merkel for her 'no' vote.
1
Germany has had civil unions for years. They include almost every legal right for gays that a marriage encompasses as well, except one: adoption of children. Now, gay couples can adopt children.
And there is the symbolism. As others have stated: Symbols are important in politics.
And there is the symbolism. As others have stated: Symbols are important in politics.
3
Germany was actually not as reactionary as it might appear with this great vote today: Civil unions for same-sex couples were established in 2001 (only 3 years after progressive Netherlands). Public opinion was in polls overwhelmingly favorable towards same sex marriage for a long time. Openly gay politicians are regularly elected. Probably being early with civil unions took out some pressure on politicians to move towards full equality and many average Joes and Janes in Germany also thought that with civil unions same sex marriage already exists when it actually did not.
4
The Russians aren't going to be very happy about this. But Poland, which is still in the 19th century with civil rights and the Baltic States, well, Russia has nothing to worry about really. So don't you worry, Mr. Tsar.
3
Okay, why are we letting Germany lecture us about anything when they are only just getting around to gay marriage? Even Trump has had no problem with this for most of his life, and even though he denounced it on the campaign for the sake of the GOP base, the first thing he did after election was declare it settled law-- settled, BTW, by a conservative SCOTUS that still featured Scalia.
All the Germa-philes need to step back and rethink your allies and their values. Would you give up Trump if it also meant giving up gay marriage?
All the Germa-philes need to step back and rethink your allies and their values. Would you give up Trump if it also meant giving up gay marriage?
1
The US never passed a law to allow (!) gay marriage. A few states did, but congress told the other states that they could deny full faith and credit on that topic. It took a supreme court decision (that many still say is wrong) to allow the marriages to occur and be legally recognized. There is also a chance that if some states' conditional laws were to be brought to the court now the legal status could be rescinded. Germany, on the other hand, passed a law deciding this.
11
It was settled by a conservative SCOTUS that had 5 conservatives and 4 liberals, 4 of the conservatives voted against including Scalia, who railed against it as part of the gay agenda.
5
Children of the future age,
Reading this indignant page,
Know that in a former time
Love, sweet love, was thought a crime.
- William Blake
Reading this indignant page,
Know that in a former time
Love, sweet love, was thought a crime.
- William Blake
11
Equal rights for all citizens! Thank you Germany!
20
Even though Merkel is personally not for same-sex marriage, she allowed members of her party to vote their conscience, knowing full that many would vote for it. I'm not thrilled that she's against it, but it takes a real leader to put aside her ego and let the majority opinion prevail in the interest of the greater good. Can you imagine that happening in the US?
50
We don't have the same type of government as Germany, so no, I can't imagine that happening. Our President does not "allow" (or not allow) Congressmen to do anything.
3
Congrats to Germany! Austria, Northern Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, etc: it's time to fall in line, the rest of the civilized world is watching you!
19
Johnny Panic: well, panic now because Australia has not legislated same sex marriage. Italy might allow civil unions, but I'm unsure about same sex marriage. Spain, the Netherlands, France (after much bitter opposition), allow it in Europe, as does Canada in North America. I believe Argentina has recently legislated same sex marriage as well as other Latin American nations.
1
Everyone said that calamity would strike in the US if gay marriage was made legal; that children would be corrupted and there would be gay riots in the streets and dogs and cats would play together in some bizarre satanic agreement.
None of that has happened.
Let this be a lesson for us all. Happy for the Germans.
None of that has happened.
Let this be a lesson for us all. Happy for the Germans.
27
They said the same thing about gay people openly serving in the military and they were wrong there as well.
It's interesting that right wing voters never seem to realize how completely wrong Republican politicians are.
It's interesting that right wing voters never seem to realize how completely wrong Republican politicians are.
4
8 years after Iowa legalized it.
10
And my late husband and I were one of the six couples that successfully sued the State of Iowa for marriage equality.
8
“If the Constitution guarantees one thing, it is that anyone in this country can live as they wish,” Thomas Oppermann, the parliamentary leader of the Social Democrats, said in opening the floor debate. “If gay marriage is decided, then many will receive something, but nobody will have something taken away.”
Finally, some sense in the world. Oh, how I would love for this to be the kind of thoughtful rhetoric spoken by the majority of lawmakers in the U.S.
Finally, some sense in the world. Oh, how I would love for this to be the kind of thoughtful rhetoric spoken by the majority of lawmakers in the U.S.
27
"The historic decision came with a swiftness rare in Germany’s usually staid politics, after Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly eased her conservative party’s opposition to gay marriage and said she would allow lawmakers to vote their conscience on the measure, although she ultimately voted against it."
Merkel publicly and loudly scolded Donald Trump in November on human rights and sanctimoniously claimed that Germany will only cooperate with the US under shared values of "freedom and respect" for among other things, sexual orientation. With a chance to put her money where her big mouth is, she now votes against gay marriage for Germans. What a lying fraud she is.
Merkel publicly and loudly scolded Donald Trump in November on human rights and sanctimoniously claimed that Germany will only cooperate with the US under shared values of "freedom and respect" for among other things, sexual orientation. With a chance to put her money where her big mouth is, she now votes against gay marriage for Germans. What a lying fraud she is.
10
Marriage is not a human right, it is a legal constitution, to ensure certain aspects of life. Mostly it ensures benefits, for example you are not allowed to dislocate partners against their will. But these are just benefits made into law, not basic human rights.
4
Everything all right with you ?
1
Thank you Sir :-)
Merkel is against same-sex marriage? I am saddened to learn that. Very happy for the people of Germany - all the people ! I believe it is important to remember that we are all in this together.
Mark-Allen Taylor, Esq.
Mark-Allen Taylor, Esq.
15
Perfectly said!
2
I wish we in the US had a Congress that would affirm LGBT rights. The last time our House and Senate addressed this issue was in 1996 and both houses voted by a 5-to-1 margin to ban federal recognition of legal same-sex marriages (even though there were none any US state at the time) and gave the states the power not to recognize legal same-sex marriages from other states and countries. That "Defense of Marriage Act" was declared unconstitutional in US Supreme Court decisions in 2013 and 2015. But if Trump gets one more Justice like Gorsuch to replace one of the majority in those decisions, the Supreme Court can once again affirm the right of states and the federal government to ban recognition of it. If the Democrats take the Senate in 2018, they can block extreme judges. But there is a lot of slow, hard work to be done to undo all the anti-gay marriage laws still on the books in many states. Only Nevada has undone theirs since the court ruled. A Democratic House and Senate could also pass The Equality Act, the federal LGBT rights law. The US is, sadly, a human rights laggard--and is rapidly moving further behind under Trump.
15
Thank you Andy, I wasn't aware of this. I copy it for my records.
1
Joy! JOY! Freude!
5
"“To me it remains clear that same-sex partnership is not the same thing as a marriage. In our cultural circles, marriage has for centuries been a union between man and woman,” Mr. Kauder said."
To all who oppose same sex marriage, cultures change, Ideology changes, time progresses in most places.
Recall when the Party of Lincoln was socially progressive and fiscally conservative? Now it's just down right MEAN and fiscally inept.
Recall when you could count upon Christians to feed and clothe the poor, take care of the elderly, sick and disabled, no matter who they were or where they came from?
Granted many still do, but American Christianity has turned mean and stingy side by side with the Republicans.
Even glass changes, although incredibly slowly over milleniums, but things change, they do not remain the same.
This is a good change. Marriage was around long before Christianity, it is nothing more than a business contract, witnessed by many.
Our lives are too short to be denied the respect every human being deserves, and we should fight for all of those who do not have equal rights, no matter their race or station in life, or if they are female or LBGT.
Let's live like the Coca-Cola commercial jingle, 'In Peace and Harmony', it will make the world a better place.
Congratulations Germany, I applaud you!
To all who oppose same sex marriage, cultures change, Ideology changes, time progresses in most places.
Recall when the Party of Lincoln was socially progressive and fiscally conservative? Now it's just down right MEAN and fiscally inept.
Recall when you could count upon Christians to feed and clothe the poor, take care of the elderly, sick and disabled, no matter who they were or where they came from?
Granted many still do, but American Christianity has turned mean and stingy side by side with the Republicans.
Even glass changes, although incredibly slowly over milleniums, but things change, they do not remain the same.
This is a good change. Marriage was around long before Christianity, it is nothing more than a business contract, witnessed by many.
Our lives are too short to be denied the respect every human being deserves, and we should fight for all of those who do not have equal rights, no matter their race or station in life, or if they are female or LBGT.
Let's live like the Coca-Cola commercial jingle, 'In Peace and Harmony', it will make the world a better place.
Congratulations Germany, I applaud you!
10
Legal here; however, some of the born again extremists want to deny us a wedding cake.
24
I say, with Marie Antoinette, "Let them eat cake."
5
Can't we gay people learn how to win with dignity, instead of turning over every rock to find someone who doesn't want to participate in our marriages, and sue them?
4
Take heart, that battle will be won as well.
1
It's a shame it took Germany so long. This was really past due.
10
I am stunned to see Merkel get celebrated for this. What this effectively means is that she was the only thing holding back a country that was outstandingly in favor of gay marriage for a very long time. I do not understand her cult of personality among the foreign "left".
18
It's not that simple at all. There's been entrenched conservative opposition and due to parliamentary processional rules and coalition agreements the issue was never allowed to come up for a vote. It was in her hands to let the genie out of the bottle, at an admittedly opportune moment, and she did.
10
Must you agree with someone on every policy, before you can recognize their talent and character?
2
Of course, Germany had already had civil unions. Today's news is right and beautiful, but still essentially symbolic. (Symbols do matter.)
3
Congrats Germany !
Yay !
(It was not all that long ago that gays were systematically murdered by a far-right government.)
Love trumps hate.
: )
Yay !
(It was not all that long ago that gays were systematically murdered by a far-right government.)
Love trumps hate.
: )
5
I am glad for LGBT people in Germany, it is about time that their law reflect the will of the people and thanks to the coalition government system, Merkel was forced into allowing this to go for a vote (could you imagine if the US depended on any GOP legislator allowing it to come for a vote, let alone pass it......).
I think it is telling that Gerda Hasselfeldt said that conventional marriage was the 'basis of order in our state", the way that is said tells a lot of where conservatives come from when it is in regards to LGBT people, it isn't any different in words or thoughts then those of the Nazi era, to whom 'order of the state' was their excuse to commit the many crimes they did.
From what I understand the Catholic Church in Germany, who are the prime opposition to this and influence Merkel and the other conservatives, is outraged.....I wonder if they see the irony of their actions, where they want to stop same sex couples from being allowed to fully form families and raise kids, when at the same time one of their high muckity muck Cardinals has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing children, they want to outlaw people wanting to form loving relationships, while morally they have propagated a culture that thinks that child molestation and abuse is no big deal.
I think it is telling that Gerda Hasselfeldt said that conventional marriage was the 'basis of order in our state", the way that is said tells a lot of where conservatives come from when it is in regards to LGBT people, it isn't any different in words or thoughts then those of the Nazi era, to whom 'order of the state' was their excuse to commit the many crimes they did.
From what I understand the Catholic Church in Germany, who are the prime opposition to this and influence Merkel and the other conservatives, is outraged.....I wonder if they see the irony of their actions, where they want to stop same sex couples from being allowed to fully form families and raise kids, when at the same time one of their high muckity muck Cardinals has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing children, they want to outlaw people wanting to form loving relationships, while morally they have propagated a culture that thinks that child molestation and abuse is no big deal.
12
To that truth: there are nearly 20 states in the US that allows grown men to marry young girls.
These laws were implemented over 125 years ago for some places. This is how 35 year old Jerry Lee Lewis could marry his 13 year old cousin. The NYTimes has printed several stories about this.
But tell this to the anti gay supposedly 'pro marriage and family; groups and they won't even engage a conversation about what to do to overturn such laws. The way anti miscegenation laws were overturned.
They certainly could be with more ease than doing so to gay couples NOW.
So I think you're right, molestation and abuse of young girls within virtually forced marriages, even in the US..is no big deal.
These laws were implemented over 125 years ago for some places. This is how 35 year old Jerry Lee Lewis could marry his 13 year old cousin. The NYTimes has printed several stories about this.
But tell this to the anti gay supposedly 'pro marriage and family; groups and they won't even engage a conversation about what to do to overturn such laws. The way anti miscegenation laws were overturned.
They certainly could be with more ease than doing so to gay couples NOW.
So I think you're right, molestation and abuse of young girls within virtually forced marriages, even in the US..is no big deal.
3
A very smart move on Merkel's part. By allowing lawmakers to vote in line with their conscience and implicitly accepting that the parliament would approve, she took the wind out of the opposition's sail on this issue with regard to the upcoming general election next September. Smart move indeed.
28
Merkel is too clever by half. By voting against it herself, she can it both ways on the gay marriage issue. In the US, this is known as political triangulation, and politicians who engage it should never be trusted. Period.
7
Agree fully, but people are generally well advised not to trust politicians any further than they can throw them.
This is wonderful, news -- I can say from personal experience that being included on terms of equality in the general polity is empowering, thrilling, transformative.
21
Welcome to the 21st century. Cheers!
22
A great day for Germany! Love & Peace from, Provincetown in Massachusetts,
(the first state to legalize same sex marriage in the US, in 2003).
(the first state to legalize same sex marriage in the US, in 2003).
33
Yep~ - And also the first State to Abolish Slavery 50 years before the Civil War, The First state to have Universal Health Care, a leader in the Women's Suffrage Movement, Abolitionist Movement, Labor Movement (the Great Lawrence and Lowell factory strikes.)
Does it's Liberalism hurt it at all - NOPE. Consistently rated near the top in Education, Health, and Economic areas while a state like Kansas sinks under it's own Conservative dumbness.
"How do you Like THEM Apples!" - Proud Bay State Native
Does it's Liberalism hurt it at all - NOPE. Consistently rated near the top in Education, Health, and Economic areas while a state like Kansas sinks under it's own Conservative dumbness.
"How do you Like THEM Apples!" - Proud Bay State Native
17
Same-sex marriage is legal in :
the Netherlands since 2001, Belgium since 2003, Spain since 2005, Norway and Sweden since 2009, Portugal and Iceland since 2010, Denmark since 2012, France and UK ( except Northern Ireland) since 2013, Finland since 2014, Luxembourg and Ireland since 2015.
the Netherlands since 2001, Belgium since 2003, Spain since 2005, Norway and Sweden since 2009, Portugal and Iceland since 2010, Denmark since 2012, France and UK ( except Northern Ireland) since 2013, Finland since 2014, Luxembourg and Ireland since 2015.
37
This is hardly something to celebrate.
4
Boo to you for failing to see the joy and love in this: People -- adults -- living and loving "as they wish to live."
16
Yeah. I think it all fell apart when the slaves were freed.
13
Oh, JCSacraCalifragilisticexpialidocious … bless your heart.
You couldn’t have made yourself more of a target had you painted a bullseye on your back.
Such a grim, backward outlook, poor thing. If it’s all the same to you, my hubby and I *are* going to celebrate.
You couldn’t have made yourself more of a target had you painted a bullseye on your back.
Such a grim, backward outlook, poor thing. If it’s all the same to you, my hubby and I *are* going to celebrate.
4
Glückwünsche Deutschland! (Apologies if that's incorrect: I used an online translator) But Congratulations nonetheless.
33
This is absolutely correct, as the decision is! ;-)
8
LOVE WINS. Bravo Germany!
40
Love wins and Löw wins. Aren't we a happy bunch these days. Honestly: It's a great day for Germany and anyone who has a heart.
2
I admire Chancellor Angela Merkel and support her in being outspoken about climate change and other issues that run counter to the stance of our current president. I wish she had voted in favor of the measure, but at least it passed. Here, it took a Supreme Court case to establish the right to same-sex marriage. Our Congress never would have approved it.
55
A Supreme Court case is necessary to enshrine something as the law of the land. That is how our system works. You do not seem to be in favor of the things that actually help you.
You get me wrong. I was very much in favor of the SCOTUS ruling! Congratulations to Germany, however late the country came into this century on this issue!
2
I'm all in favor that this is now passed in Germany - and by such clear majorities even.
Regardless of how this vote shaped up in ultra-speed (less than a week from hardly on the radar to passed) it seems to me that this is how such issues ought to be decided.
It strikes me as odd that in the US it is usually courts deciding such things. In case of gay marriage even public opinion swiftly followed the Supreme Court decision.
Regardless of how this vote shaped up in ultra-speed (less than a week from hardly on the radar to passed) it seems to me that this is how such issues ought to be decided.
It strikes me as odd that in the US it is usually courts deciding such things. In case of gay marriage even public opinion swiftly followed the Supreme Court decision.
2
Merkel still believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Doesn't she understand that leadership is a man's realm?
I love conservatives who are conservative as long as they are not inconvenienced.
Doesn't she understand that leadership is a man's realm?
I love conservatives who are conservative as long as they are not inconvenienced.
65
Congratulations, Germany.
Love,
Canada, who will celebrate twelve years of recognizing marriage equality July 20th
Love,
Canada, who will celebrate twelve years of recognizing marriage equality July 20th
65
Canada - so full of itself, like US in the late 90s - as always, following the US.
Ned Flarbus - Marriage equality wasn't legal in the U.S. until very recently. How did you miss that?
4
Same-sex marriage - legal in MA since 2003. Or did you miss that. Anyhow, My point was that Canada is following the footsteps of the US as far as liberal/PC arrogance/bragging - as a full-of-itself beacon of progressiveness. I'm a progressive - but the arrogance around the progressive movement is what has directly led to Trump. Canada should not follow our lead there.