The German Parliament on Friday voted to approve what most term as same sex marriage. Those of us who have fought long and hard for the same basic rights of any other couple, call it marriage equality.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, the daughter of a Pastor, was originally against the measure. stating she held personal beliefs that marriage was between a man and a woman. She also added that her decision was a personal one. One that in recent years came to include the belief that same sex couples should be able to adopt children.
Although I raised 6 kids, my spouse of 21 years and I don't have any children. Yet.
The German Parliament vote was enacted when Angela Merkel did an about face, in which she told members of Parliament to vote their conscience. The vote passed by 393-226 in favor of marriage equality. Only 4 abstained from voting. Of the vote Chancellor Merkel stated:
I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between (those of) different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.
Germany joins the European nations of Great Britain, France and Spain in legalizing marriage equality.
Move Forward!
