Germany legalises same sex marriage

German MPs voted by a clear majority to legalise same-sex marriage granting gay and lesbian couples full rights, including adoption. The vote passed this morning in the Bundestag by a clear majority. 393 members of parliament voted in favour of the bill, with 296 voting against and 4 abstentions. Previously, same-sex couples could not get married but instead only enter into civil unions.  “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.” commented ILGA-Europe Executive Director Evelyne Paradis. The marriage law will be amended to reflect today’s vote, and same-sex couples could be able to marry before the end of 2017.