"Joy and pleasure are as real as pain and sorrow and one must learn what they have to teach. . . ." -- Sean Russell, from Gatherer of Clouds

"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." -- Helyn D. Goldenberg

"I love you and I'm not afraid." -- Evanescence, "My Last Breath"

“If I hear ‘not allowed’ much oftener,” said Sam, “I’m going to get angry.” -- J.R.R. Tolkien, from Lord of the Rings

Friday, June 30, 2017

Germany Joins the Club

Same-sex marriage is about to become the law in Germany:

The German parliament, or Bundestag, on Friday passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriages in a snap vote that made it onto the agenda before the summer break after a surprise shift by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The bill passed by 393 to 226, with four abstentions. Merkel herself voted against the bill, although her comments helped bring it about.

That's a rather lopsided vote, but considering that public opinions polls in Germany have been showing 70-80% support, not as lopsided as it could have been.

It still has to pass the Senate, but that's considered to be a slam dunk. Of course, there will be challenges through the courts.

And, an update on worldwide status:


Note one inaccuracy in the map: Finland's law legalizing same-sex marriage went into effect in late February.

Via Joe.My.God.

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