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Germany to Have Same-sex Marriage and Adoption Rights

 
The German Parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage – and same-sex couples will have the right to adopt children.
Until now only civil partnerships were available to same-sex couples, but Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a free vote.
Norbert Lammert, president of the parliament, said 393 lawmakers voted to approve the amendment, while 226 voted against and four abstained. This suggests parliament is more conservative then the public, of whom, according to a poll, 83% approved of same sex couples being allowed to marry.
Merkel herself voted against. Some have suggested that with a general election looming, she is keen to make herself and her party popular.