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“This is a historic milestone that can inspire even more change for LGBTI people.”

On Friday, German politicians voted by a clear majority to legalise same-sex marriage.

The brilliant news comes after years of tireless campaigning. Then this week things moved very quickly as the vote was announced, conducted and passed within just a few days.

A total of 393 MPs voted in favour of the bill. 296 voted against and four abstained.

Prior to this, same-sex couples in Germany could enter civil partnerships, but not marriages. Married same-sex couples will now have all the same rights as existing married couples, including joint adoption.

Although Chancellor Angela Merkel permitted the free vote, she chose to vote against it herself and in the past she has admitted to having a “hard time” with the issue.

ILGA-Europe Executive Director Evelyne Paradis said:

“After years of waiting and hoping, rainbow families in Germany will now receive equal recognition under the law. This is a historic milestone that can inspire even more change for LGBTI people.”

She continued:

“This result has taken years of persistence – and now there is momentum in Germany. Marriage equality is not the final destination. LGBTI people and their families need to feel safe and supported in every facet of their lives – outside the civil registry office, as well as inside it.”

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