Same-sex marriage in Germany
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Same-sex unions|marriage}}
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 1 October 2017. A bill for the legalisation of same-sex marriage passed the Bundestag on 30 June 2017 and the Bundesrat on 7 July. It was signed into law on 20 July by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and published in the Federal Law Gazette on 28 July 2017. Previously, the governing CDU/CSU had refused to legislate on the issue of same-sex marriage. In June 2017, Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly said she hoped the matter would be put to a conscience vote. Consequently, other party leaders organised for a vote to be held in the last week of June during the final legislative session before summer recess. The Bundestag passed the legislation on 30 June by 393 votes to 226, and it went into force on 1 October. Polling suggests that a significant majority of Germans support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Germany was the first country in Central Europe, the fourteenth in Europe, and the 22nd in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry nationwide.
From 2001 until 2017, Germany recognized registered life partnerships for same-sex couples. The benefits granted by these partnerships were gradually extended by the Federal Constitutional Court throughout several rulings until they provided for most, but not all, of the rights of marriage.
Registered life partnerships
=First and second Schröder governments=
The Act on Registered Life Partnerships ({{langx|de|Gesetz über die Eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft}}) was a compromise between proponents of same-sex marriage and the two major conservative parties. The act established registered life partnerships ({{langx|de|eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft}}, {{IPA|de|ˈaɪ̯nɡəˌtʁaːɡənə ˈleːbm̩sˌpaʁtnɐʃaft|pron}}){{efn|In Germany's minority languages:{{cite web|url=https://integreat.app/bochum/rom/mi%C5%9Bto-avil%C4%83n/importantno-ofisura/ofiso-e-registraciako|language=rom|work=Stadt Bochum|access-date=25 November 2024|title=Ofiso e registraciako}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
- {{langx|bar|Lemspartnaschoft}}, {{IPA|bar|ˈleːmsˌb̥ɑːd̥nɐʃɔfd̥|pron}}
- {{langx|nds|Levenspartnerschop}},{{cite web|url=https://netz.sass-platt.de/platt-hoch/?term=Levenspartnerschop|title=SASS Plattdeutsches Netzwörterbuch: Levenspartnerschop|access-date=3 June 2024|work=netz.sass-platt.de}} {{IPA|nds|ˈlɛːm̩sˌpaːtnɐʃop|pron}}
- {{langx|da|registreret partnerskab}},{{cite web|url=https://www.fla.de/wp/dailys/det-foerste-homoseksuelle-par-har-giftet-sig-tyskland/|title=Det første homoseksuelle par har giftet sig i Tyskland|work=Flensborg Avis|date=1 October 2017|language=da|last=Kirkeby|first=Bianca|access-date=27 October 2019|archive-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027143611/https://www.fla.de/wp/dailys/det-foerste-homoseksuelle-par-har-giftet-sig-tyskland/|url-status=dead}} {{IPA|da|ʁekiˈstʁeˀð̩ ˈpʰɑːtnɐˌskɛˀp|pron}}
- {{langx|hsb|žiwjenske partnerstwo}},{{cite web|url=https://piwarc.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/jenoz-0-9-procentow-spodziwne-prispomnjenje-k-spechowanju-serbow-w-sakskej/|title=Jenož 0.9 procentow? Spodźiwne přispomnjenje k spěchowanju Serbow w Sakskej|work=piwarc.wordpress.com|date=16 March 2013|language=hsb}} {{IPA|hsb|ˈʒiwʲɛnskɛ ˈpaʁtnɛʁstwɔ|pron}}
- {{langx|dsb|žywjeńske partnaŕstwo}},{{cite web|url=https://manualzz.com/doc/4721916/terminlogija-w%C4%9Bcneje-w%C4%9Bdy-terminologie-f%C3%BCr-den|title=Terminologija Wěcneje wědy|work=manualzz.com|date=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127205735/https://manualzz.com/doc/4721916/terminlogija-w%C4%9Bcneje-w%C4%9Bdy-terminologie-f%C3%BCr-den|archive-date=27 January 2019}} {{IPA|dsb|ˈʒɨvʲɛnʲskʲɛ ˈpartnarʲstwɔ|pron}}
- North Frisian: {{lang|frr|laawenspårtnerschap}}
- {{langx|stq|Líeuwends-Partnerskup}}, {{IPA|stq|ˈliːu̯.ənts ˈpaɐ̯tnɐskʊp|pron}}
- {{langx|rom|civilno partneripe|label=Romani}}
{{div col end}}}} granting same-sex couples a number of rights enjoyed by married opposite-sex couples. It was drafted by Volker Beck of the Greens and was approved under the First Schröder Cabinet, a coalition government constiting of the Greens and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The Bundestag approved the law in November 2000, with the government parties voting in favour and the opposition CDU/CSU and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) voting against. President Johannes Rau signed the law on 16 February 2001, and it entered into force on 1 August 2001.
On 17 July 2002, the Federal Constitutional Court upheld the act as constitutional.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bverfg.de/entscheidungen/ls20020717_1bvf000101.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928015017/http://www.bverfg.de/entscheidungen/ls20020717_1bvf000101.html|url-status=dead|title=Leitsätze zum Urteil des Ersten Senats vom 17. Juli 2002|archive-date=28 September 2007}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.germanlawjournal.com/article.php?id=176|title=Lifetime Partnership Act of Germany|access-date=27 June 2006|archive-date=15 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315170326/http://www.germanlawjournal.com/article.php?id=176|url-status=dead}} The court found, unanimously, that the process leading to the law's enactment was constitutional. The 8-member court further ruled, with three dissenting votes, that the substance of the law conforms to the Basic Law ({{lang|de|Grundgesetz}}, the German Constitution), and ruled that these partnerships could be granted equal rights to those given to married couples. The initial law had deliberately withheld certain privileges, such as joint adoption and pension rights for widows and widowers, in an effort to observe the "special protection" which the Constitution provides for marriage and the family. The court determined that the "specialness" of the protection was not in the quantity of protection, but in the obligatory nature of this protection, whereas the protection of registered partnerships was at the Bundestag's discretion.
On 12 October 2004, the Registered Life Partnership Law (Revision) Act ({{langx|de|Gesetz zur Überarbeitung des Lebenspartnerschaftsrechts}}) was passed by the Bundestag, increasing the rights of registered life partners to include, among others, the possibility of stepchild adoption and simpler alimony and divorce rules, but excluding the same tax benefits as in a marriage. The law took effect on 1 January 2005.{{Cite web|url=http://www.buzer.de/gesetz/7390/index.htm|title=LPartRÜG Gesetz zur Überarbeitung des Lebenspartnerschaftsrechts|website=www.buzer.de}}
=First Merkel Government=
In July 2008, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that a transgender person who transitioned to female, after having been married to a woman for more than 50 years, could remain married to her wife and change her legal gender to female. It gave the Bundestag one year to effect the necessary change in the relevant law.{{Cite web|url=http://www.impowr.org/content/current-legal-framework-transgender-issues-germany|title=Current Legal Framework: Transgender Issues in Germany|access-date=17 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818011440/http://www.impowr.org/content/current-legal-framework-transgender-issues-germany|url-status=dead}}
On 22 October 2009, the Constitutional Court ruled that a man whose employer had given him and his registered partner inferior pension benefits on account of him not being married was entitled to the same benefits he would receive were he and his partner married and of opposite sexes.{{cite web|url=http://www.thelocal.de/national/20091022-22757.html |title=High court backs equal rights for gay marriages |publisher=Thelocal.de |date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2010-12-13}} The court's decision mandated equal rights for same-sex registered couples not just in regard to pension benefits, but in regard to all rights and responsibilities applying to married couples.{{in lang|de}} [http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/625/491987/text/ Verfassungsgericht zu Homo-Ehe - Ehe, Partner, Kinder]
=Second Merkel Government=
On 25 October 2009, the new CDU/CSU-FDP coalition released its government programme. It stipulated that the tax inequality between same-sex life partners and opposite-sex married couples would be repealed and the Constitutional Court's ruling of 22 October would be codified into law.{{Cite web|url=http://www.csu.de/common/_migrated/csucontent/091026_koalitionsvertrag_02.pdf|title=Wachstum Bildung Zusammenhalt|language=de|work=CDU|access-date=3 June 2024}} However, the government programme did not mention adoption rights.{{Cite web|url=http://lsvd.de/1242.0.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028021428/http://www.lsvd.de/1242.0.html|url-status=dead|title=Die FDP hat ihre Wahlversprechungen gehalten!|archive-date=28 October 2009}}
On 17 August 2010, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that surviving registered partners are entitled to the same inheritance tax rules as surviving spouses. Previously, surviving marital partners paid 7–30% inheritance tax while surviving registered partners paid 17–50%.{{cite news|title=German court: gay couples entitled to equal treatment on inheritance tax|newspaper=The Canadian Press|agency=Associated Press|date=2010-08-17|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i47qav85cAhzZA0CT7xm8qBmWlgg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820104525/http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i47qav85cAhzZA0CT7xm8qBmWlgg|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2010|access-date=2010-08-17}}
On 18 February 2013, the Constitutional Court broadened adoption rights for registered partners.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-court-strengthens-gay-and-lesbian-adoption-rights-a-884278.html|title=Court Ruling: Germany Strengthens Gay Adoption Rights|publisher=Spiegel|date=2013-02-19}} The court ruled that a partner must be allowed to adopt the other partner's adopted child, a so-called "successive adoption", and not only a partner's biological child. However, the government did not bring up a vote in Parliament to change the adoption laws before it adjourned in June 2013. The court gave the Bundestag until 30 June 2014 to change the laws.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/2013/02/ls20130219_1bvl000111.html|title=Bundesverfassungsgericht - Entscheidungen - Nichtzulassung der Sukzessivadoption durch eingetragene Lebenspartner ist verfassungswidrig|date=19 February 2013|website=www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de}} On 6 June 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that registered partners should have joint tax filing benefits equal to those of married opposite-sex couples. The Bundestag had to change the law retroactively.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-high-court-supports-equal-tax-privileges-for-gay-couples-a-904111.html|title=High Court Ruling: Germany Grants Tax Equality to Gay Couples|publisher=Spiegel|date=2013-06-06}}{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=19573|title=Bundesrat beschließt Ehegattensplitting für Homo-Paare|date=5 July 2013|publisher=Queer.de|language=de}}
=Third Merkel Government=
While the new CDU/CSU-SPD government had to allow successive adoption by June 2014 as required by the 2013 Constitutional Court ruling, the court was expected to rule in 2014 whether registered partners should be allowed to jointly adopt children as well, but dismissed the case in February 2014 on procedural grounds.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=20826|title=Sukzessivadoption: Maas erledigt Hausaufgaben von Schwarz-Gelb|publisher=Queer.de|date=16 January 2014|language=de}}{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=21081|title=Karlsruhe: Vorerst kein Urteil zum Adoptionsrecht|publisher=Queer.de|date=21 January 2014|language=de}} In March 2014, the coalition government approved a bill to allow successive adoption, with discussion on whether or not to implement full adoption equality. The Bundesrat recommended full adoption equality,{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=21379|title=Bundesrat für volles Adoptionsrecht für Homo-Paare|publisher=Queer.de|date=11 April 2014|language=de}} and a Bundestag committee held a hearing on the topic.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=21482|title=Bundestag: Öffentliche Anhörung zum Adoptionsrecht|publisher=Queer.de|date=30 April 2014|language=de}} On 22 May, the Bundestag passed the law while rejecting proposals by the Greens for full adoption equality.{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article128321912/Homo-Paare-erhalten-Recht-auf-Sukzessivadoption.html|title=Homo-Paare erhalten Recht auf Sukzessivadoption|newspaper=Die Welt|date=22 May 2014|language=de}} Another law to grant same-sex couples full tax equality passed unanimously in the Bundestag, finishing the required legal changes following the June 2013 court ruling.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=21515|title=Weitere Gleichstellung im Steuerrecht|publisher=Queer.de|date=7 May 2014|language=de}}
In October 2015, the Bundestag approved a government bill modifying a series of laws concerning registered partnerships. It gave registered partners the same rights as married couples in several legal areas; there were, however, no noteworthy changes. The bill passed the Bundesrat in November 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=24977|title="Bereinigungsgesetz": Bundesrat nickt Mini-Reform durch|date=6 November 2015|publisher=Queer.de|language=de}}
The ability to enter into a registered life partnership was closed off on 1 October 2017. No further partnerships are granted in Germany, and couples may retain their status as registered partners or convert their union into a recognized marriage.{{cite news|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ehe-fuer-alle-das-aendert-sich-fuer-homosexuelle-paare-1.3567752|title=Das ändert sich für homosexuelle Paare|publisher=Süddeutsche Zeitung|language=de|date=30 June 2017|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707213649/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ehe-fuer-alle-das-aendert-sich-fuer-homosexuelle-paare-1.3567752|archive-date=7 July 2017}}
=Partnership statistics=
The registered partnership law went into effect on 1 August 2001. By October 2004, 5,000 same-sex couples had registered.{{Cite web |url=https://www.taeterinnen.org/en/04_civilpartnership.html |title=Civil partnership |access-date=17 August 2017 |archive-date=16 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016184449/http://www.taeterinnen.org/en/04_civilpartnership.html |url-status=dead }}
In 2007, there were 15,000 registered couples, two-thirds of whom were male,{{Cite web|url=http://destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Presse/pm/zdw/2008/PD08__037__p002,templateId=renderPrint.psml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718225504/http://destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Presse/pm/zdw/2008/PD08__037__p002,templateId=renderPrint.psml|url-status=dead|title=68 000 gleichgeschlechtliche Lebensgemeinschaften in Deutschland|archive-date=18 July 2011}} and by 2010, this number had increased to 23,000 couples.{{Cite web|url=http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Presse/pm/zdw/2011/PD11__025__p002,templateId=renderPrint.psml|title=Deutschlandweit rund 23 000 eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaften}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bpb.de/gesellschaft/gender/homosexualitaet/38844/lebensgemeinschaften|title=Gleichgeschlechtliche Lebensgemeinschaften | bpb|first=Bundeszentrale für politische|last=Bildung|website=bpb.de|date=20 November 2010 }} In May 2011, 68,268 people reported being in a registered life partnership.{{cite web|url=https://www.zensus2011.de/SharedDocs/AktuellesEN/Press_release_of_the_federal_statistical_office_2014_04.html?nn=3068736|title=ZENSUS2011 - Homepage - 2011 Census: just under a quarter of foreigners originate from Turkey|website=www.zensus2011.de|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822214043/https://www.zensus2011.de/SharedDocs/AktuellesEN/Press_release_of_the_federal_statistical_office_2014_04.html?nn=3068736|url-status=dead}} As of the end of 2016, 44,000 registered partnerships had been conducted in Germany; approximately 25,000 (56.8%) were between men, while 19,000 were between women (43.2%).{{Cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/GesellschaftStaat/Bevoelkerung/HaushalteFamilien/Tabellen/3_4_Gleichgeschlechtliche_Lebensgemeinschaften.html|title=Destatis: Eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaften – Ergebnisse des Mikrozensus und des Zensus}}
Same-sex marriage
{{Same-sex marriage map Europe|align=right}}
CDU/CSU, the senior member parties of Germany's coalition governments between 2005 and 2021, were historically opposed to the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The Greens, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Left Party support same-sex marriage and voted in June 2012 for a defeated bill to legalise it.{{Cite web|url=http://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/16/135/1613596.pdf|title=Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen gleichen Geschlechts}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.linksfraktion.de/reden/oeffnung-ehe-lesben-schwule/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020181442/http://linksfraktion.de/reden/oeffnung-ehe-lesben-schwule/|url-status=dead|title=Öffnung der Ehe für Lesben und Schwule|archive-date=20 October 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=16809 |title= Bundestag stimmt für Beibehaltung der Diskriminierung |publisher= Queer.de |date=28 June 2012 |access-date=12 September 2012|language=de}} The Free Democratic Party (FDP) supports same-sex marriage, though it rejected legislation when they were part of a coalition government with the CDU/CSU between 2009 and 2013. The SPD agreed to oppose same-sex marriage when in government with the CDU/CSU between 2013 and 2017. Most parties made agreement on same-sex marriage a condition for joining a coalition government with the CDU/CSU after the 2017 federal election.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40416126|title=Germany: Merkel paves way for gay marriage vote|work=BBC News|date=27 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627220908/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40416126|archive-date=27 June 2017}} Since legalization in October 2017, the CDU/CSU has opposed motions to repeal the same-sex marriage law, and mostly considers the matter "settled". In 2020, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) published a political video supporting same-sex marriage and families,{{cite web|url=https://www.jetzt.de/lgbtq/75-jahre-cdu-cdu-entdeckt-die-ehe-fuer-alle-fuer-sich|work=Süddeutsche Zeitung Jetzt|title=75 Jahre CDU: CDU entdeckt die Ehe für alle für sich|language=de|date=27 June 2020}} and in 2023 the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU) adopted a party platform supporting same-sex marriage.{{cite web|url=https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/csu-grundsatzprogramm-ehe-fuer-alle-aber-keine-gender-sternchen-so-will-die-csu-bayern-vereinen-id66161906.html|work=Augsburger Allgemeine|title=Ehe für alle, aber keine Gender-Sternchen: So will die CSU Bayern vereinen|language=de|date=14 April 2023|last=Stern|first=Henry}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mainpost.de/ueberregional/bayern/nein-zum-gendersternchen-akzeptanz-der-ehe-fuer-alle-schweinfurterin-hat-grossen-anteil-am-neuen-csu-grundsatzprogramm-art-11103031|title=Nein zum Gendersternchen, Akzeptanz der "Ehe für alle": Schweinfurterin hat großen Anteil am neuen CSU-Grundsatzprogramm|date=14 April 2023|language=de|last=Stern|first=Henry|work=Main Post}} As of 2023, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) remains the largest party opposed to same-sex marriage.
In German, same-sex marriage is known as {{lang|es|gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe}} ({{IPA|de|ˈɡlaɪ̯çɡəˌʃlɛçtlɪçə ˈeːə|pron}}) or more commonly in public discourse as {{lang|es|Ehe für alle}} ({{IPA|de|ˈeːə fyːɐ̯ ˈʔalə|pron}}), meaning "marriage for all".
=Second Merkel Government=
The opposition Greens released a draft same-sex marriage law in June 2009. In March 2010, the Senate of Berlin announced its intention to introduce a same-sex marriage bill to the Bundesrat, the federal council representing Germany's states. According to the Senate, this proposed law would align with the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling that same-sex couples must be treated equally to heterosexual couples.{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=11980|title=Berliner Senat für Öffnung der Ehe|website=queer.de}} However, the Bundesrat rejected the bill in September 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=12790|title=Bundesrat lehnt Gleichstellung ab|website=queer.de}} Only Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen and North Rhine-Westphalia voted in favour; the remaining 12 states opposed it. In June 2011, following CDU losses in state elections, the Senate of Hamburg also announced its intention to submit a same-sex marriage bill to the Bundesrat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=14504|title=Hamburg beschließt Bundesratsiniative für Ehe-Öffnung|website=queer.de}}
On 28 June 2012, a Greens motion to legalise same-sex marriage was defeated in the Bundestag by a vote of 260 to 309 with 12 abstentions. The motion sought to grant same-sex couples equal rights in adoption and taxation. Members of the CDU/CSU and the FDP voted against the proposal, while the opposition parties, the Social Democratic Party, the Greens, and The Left, supported it.{{cite news|url=http://www.rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-lehnt-entwurf-fuer-homo-ehen-ab-1.2889834 |title=Bundestag lehnt Entwurf für Homo-Ehen ab |trans-title=Federal Diet declines motion for gay marriages |date=28 June 2012 |newspaper=Rheinische Post |access-date=29 June 2012|language=de}} On 22 March 2013, the Bundesrat passed a bill proposed by 5 states (Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Schleswig-Holstein) to open marriage to same-sex couples.{{cite web|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=18841 |title=Bundesrat stimmt für Ehe-Öffnung |publisher=Queer.de |access-date=2013-03-28|language=de}} The bill was then submitted to the Bundestag for a vote;{{Cite web|url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/extrakt/ba/WP17/516/51690.html|title=DIP21 Extrakt|website=dipbt.bundestag.de}} however, the ruling coalition remained unchanged from 2012, when the previous proposal had been defeated.
=Third Merkel Government=
==Developments in 2013–2017==
Federal elections were held on 22 September 2013, after which a new government coalition was formed. The new Bundestag, inaugurated on 22 October, again consisted of a theoretical majority of parties in favour of same-sex marriage (SPD, The Left and the Greens). The Left immediately introduced a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, but the SPD did not support it so as not to jeopardise negotiations on government formation.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=20212|title=Bundestag: Linke beantragt Ehe-Öffnung|date=9 October 2013|publisher=Queer.de|language=de}}{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=20308|title=Linksfraktion bringt Gesetzentwurf zur Ehe-Öffnung ein|date=25 October 2013|publisher=Queer.de|language=de}} Even though the SPD had campaigned on "100% equality" for LGBT people, the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD did not contain any significant change regarding LGBT rights.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=20522|title=Große Koalition vertagt die Gleichstellung|publisher=Queer.de|date=27 November 2013|language=de}} The Left's bill had its first reading on 19 December 2013 and was subsequently sent to the Legal Affairs Committee for consideration.{{Cite web|url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/extrakt/ba/WP18/561/56132.html|title=DIP21 Extrakt|website=dipbt.bundestag.de}}
On 5 June 2015, nine states (Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia) submitted a same-sex marriage bill to the Bundesrat.{{Cite web|url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/extrakt/ba/WP18/672/67236.html|title=DIP21 Extrakt|website=dipbt.bundestag.de}} The legislation had its first reading on 12 June 2015. In the Bundestag, the Greens submitted another bill on 10 June 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/extrakt/ba/WP18/673/67360.html|title=DIP21 Extrakt|website=dipbt.bundestag.de}} It had its first reading on 18 June.{{cite web|url=http://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/18/050/1805098.pdf|title=Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Abschaffung des Eheverbots für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare |publisher=Bundestag|language=de|access-date=29 January 2015}} On 25 September 2015, the Bundesrat voted to approve the bill proposed by the nine states.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundesrat.de/SharedDocs/beratungsvorgaenge/2015/0201-0300/0273-15.html|title=Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen gleichen Geschlechts|website=Bundesrat}}{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=24674|title=Bundesrat stimmt für Öffnung der Ehe für Schwule und Lesben|publisher=Queer.de|date=25 September 2015|language=de}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/09/26/germanys-bundesrat-passes-equal-marriage-bill-despite-merkels-opposition/|title=Germany's Bundesrat passes equal marriage bill despite Merkel's opposition|date=26 September 2016|work=Pink News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929140121/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/09/26/germanys-bundesrat-passes-equal-marriage-bill-despite-merkels-opposition/|archive-date=29 September 2015}} The bill moved to the Bundestag where the governing parties (CDU/CSU and SPD) blocked the consideration of all three pending same-sex marriage bills.{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=25261|title=Ehe für alle: Koalition blockiert Abstimmung im Bundestag|publisher=Queer.de|date=19 December 2015}}
In March 2017, the SPD, the junior partner in the coalition government, announced they would press the CDU to legalise same-sex marriage in the face of overwhelming public support.{{cite news|title=Merkel's conservatives under pressure to allow gay marriage|work=dw.com|first=Carla|last=Bleiker|date=6 March 2017|access-date=8 March 2017|url=http://www.dw.com/en/merkels-conservatives-under-pressure-to-allow-gay-marriage/a-37830880}} MP Thomas Oppermann said his party would introduce a bill, in addition to the long-pending bills of the Greens, The Left and the one referred from the Bundesrat,{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=28395|title=Oppermann: SPD-Gesetzentwurf zur Ehe für alle noch im März|date=11 March 2017|publisher=Queer.de}} but eventually did not do so. On 20 June 2017, the Federal Constitutional Court rejected an application by the Greens for an injunction that would have required the Legal Affairs Committee to forward bills legalising same-sex marriage to lawmakers for a vote during Parliament's last pre-election session.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/german-opposition-party-fails-force-gay-marriage-vote-n774656|title=German Opposition Party Fails to Force Gay Marriage Vote|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC News|date=20 June 2017}} On 17 June 2017, the Greens pledged not to participate in any governing coalition after the 2017 elections unless the legalisation of same-sex marriage was part of the agreement.{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/german-greens-make-same-sex-marriage-guarantee-condition-of-coalition/a-39294421|title=German Greens make same-sex marriage guarantee condition of coalition|work=Deutsche Welle|date=17 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625212929/http://www.dw.com/en/german-greens-make-same-sex-marriage-guarantee-condition-of-coalition/a-39294421|archive-date=25 June 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-election-greens-idUSKBN1980T7|title=Germany's Greens open to almost all coalitions but price is gay marriage|work=Reuters|first1=Michelle|last1=Martin|first2=Hans-Edzard|last2=Busemann|date=17 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625213202/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-election-greens-idUSKBN1980T7|archive-date=25 June 2017}} On 24 June, the Chairman of the Free Democratic Party, Christian Lindner, said he would recommend that his party make a similar commitment,{{cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2017-06/fdp-christian-lindner-ehe-fuer-alle|title=Lindner will Ehe für alle zur Koalitionsbedingung machen|publisher=Die Zeit|language=de|date=24 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625220733/http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2017-06/fdp-christian-lindner-ehe-fuer-alle|archive-date=25 June 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/bundestagswahl/fdp-macht-ehe-fuer-alle-zur-koalitionsbedingung-im-bund-15075368.html|title=FDP soll "Ehe für alle" zur Koalitionsbedingung machen|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|language=de|date=24 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625221408/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/bundestagswahl/fdp-macht-ehe-fuer-alle-zur-koalitionsbedingung-im-bund-15075368.html|archive-date=25 June 2017}} and the following day the SPD made a similar pledge.{{cite news|url=http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik/bundesparteitag-der-spd-schulz-macht-ehe-fuer-alle-zur-koalitionsbedingung-27856194|title=Bundesparteitag der SPD Schulz macht Ehe für alle zur Koalitionsbedingung|work=DPA|publisher=Berliner Zeitung|language=de|date=25 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625220038/http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik/bundesparteitag-der-spd-schulz-macht-ehe-fuer-alle-zur-koalitionsbedingung-27856194|archive-date=25 June 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/politik/themen/schulz-ohne-homo-ehe-keine-koalition-mit-spd_aid-2404749|title=Schulz: Ohne Homo-Ehe keine Koalition mit SPD|work=Saarbrücker Zeitung|language=de|date=25 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625220456/https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/politik/themen/schulz-ohne-homo-ehe-keine-koalition-mit-spd_aid-2404749|archive-date=25 June 2017}}
==Bundestag vote and approval==
File:Erste gleichgeschlechtliche Eheschließung am 1. Oktober 2017 31.jpg in Berlin on 1 October 2017, becoming the first same-sex couple to marry in Germany]]
In late June 2017, whilst answering audience questions at a public forum in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly stated that she hoped the question of same-sex marriage would be put to a conscience vote. This was widely interpreted to mean that she would allow a vote in the Bundestag on the matter without party whip control by the Union parties (CDU/CSU).{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/is-angela-merkel-about-to-shift-her-partys-position-on-gay-marriage/a-39429463|title=Is Angela Merkel about to shift her party's position on gay marriage?|work=Deutsche Welle|date=27 June 2017}} Shortly after her statement, several politicians, including the Leader of the Social Democratic Party, Martin Schulz, pressured for a vote to be held in the last week of June during the final legislative session before summer recess.{{cite web|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=29145|title=Ehe für alle: SPD kündigt Bundestags-Abstimmung noch in dieser Woche an|work=queer.de|language=de|date=27 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/bundestag-vote-on-gay-marriage-expected-in-coming-days/a-39440879|title=Bundestag vote on gay marriage expected in coming days|work=dw.com|date=27 June 2017}} On 27 June, both Union parties announced that they would allow their lawmakers a conscience vote, although they opposed a vote being held before the federal election. The SPD de facto breached the coalition agreement and planned on voting with the opposition parties to legalise same-sex marriage.{{cite web|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/eil-merkel-gibt-abstimmung-ueber-ehe-fuer-alle-frei-1.3562640|title=Merkel gibt Abstimmung über Ehe für alle frei|work=Süddeutsche Zeitung|language=de|date=27 June 2017}} On 28 June, SPD, Green, and Left members of the Legal Affairs Committee voted to schedule a plenary vote on the bill proposed by the Bundesrat in 2015, outvoting CDU/CSU members.{{Cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/rechtsausschuss-beschliesst-bundestag-stimmt-ueber-ehe-fuer-alle-ab-15081050.html|title=Rechtsausschuss beschließt: Bundestag stimmt über 'Ehe für alle' ab|date=28 June 2017|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=28 June 2017|language=de|trans-title=Parliamentary committee decides: Bundestag shall vote on 'marriage for all'}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/german-parliament-paves-way-gay-marriage-vote-friday-091503292.html|title=German parliament paves way for gay marriage vote Friday|work=Agence-France Presse|publisher=Yahoo|date=28 June 2017|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119221706/https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/german-parliament-paves-way-gay-marriage-vote-friday-091503292.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/gay-marriage-nears-legalization-in-germany-788019|title=Gay Marriage Nears Legalization|work=Handelsblatt Global|date=28 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thelocal.de/20170628/gay-marriage-bill-to-be-voted-on-friday-as-government-feuds|title=Gay marriage bill to be voted on Friday, despite government feud over timing|work=The Local Germany|date=28 June 2017}} The Greens and The Left withdrew their own respective bills.{{cite news|url=http://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2017/kw26-de-ehe-fuer-alle/513682|title=Bundestag entscheidet möglicherweise über die "Ehe für alle"|publisher=Bundestag|language=de|date=28 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629152836/http://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2017/kw26-de-ehe-fuer-alle/513682|archive-date=29 June 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/18/066/1806665.pdf|title=Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen gleichen Geschlechts|publisher=Bundestag|language=de|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629153710/http://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/18/066/1806665.pdf|archive-date=29 June 2017}}
On 30 June, the Bundestag debated and passed the bill by 393–226 with 4 abstentions and 7 absentees.{{Cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/2017-06/bundestag-stimmt-fuer-ehe-fuer-alle|title=Bundestag: Große Mehrheit stimmt für Ehe für alle|date=30 June 2017|work=Die Zeit|access-date=30 June 2017|language=de|trans-title=Bundestag: large majority votes in favour of 'marriage for all'}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/world/europe/germany-gay-marriage.html|title=Parliament in Germany Approves Same-Sex Marriage|last1=Smale|first1=Alison|date=30 June 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 June 2017|last2=Shimer|first2=David|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703142747/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/world/europe/germany-gay-marriage.html|archive-date=3 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundestag-passes-bill-on-same-sex-marriage/a-39483785|title=Germany's Bundestag passes bill on same-sex marriage|work=Deutsche Welle|date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701052142/http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundestag-passes-bill-on-same-sex-marriage/a-39483785|archive-date=1 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/30/germany-poised-legalise-same-sex-marriage-bill-law|title=German parliament votes to legalise same-sex marriage|work=The Guardian|date=30 June 2017}} Merkel herself, whose change of position had led to the vote being held, voted against the legislation, but said she hoped the result "not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace".{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/06/30/why-angela-merkel-known-for-embracing-liberal-values-voted-against-same-sex-marriage/|title=Why Angela Merkel, known for embracing liberal values, voted against same-sex marriage|newspaper=Washington Post|date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170929144859/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/06/30/why-angela-merkel-known-for-embracing-liberal-values-voted-against-same-sex-marriage/|archive-date=29 September 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-gay-marriage-idUSKBN19L0PQ|title=German lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in landmark vote|work=Reuters|date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701072305/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-gay-marriage-idUSKBN19L0PQ|archive-date=1 July 2017}} On 7 July, the Bundesrat approved the bill without a vote because there were no requests for changes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/laenderkammer-bundesrat-stimmt-oeffnung-der-ehe-zu-15095538.html|title=Länderkammer: Bundesrat stimmt Öffnung der Ehe zu|date=7 July 2017|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=7 July 2017|language=de}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article166360698/Warum-sich-die-CSU-im-Bundesrat-kampflos-ergibt.html|title=Ehe für alle: Im Bundesrat ergibt sich die CSU kampflos|last=Arab|first=Adrian|date=6 July 2017|newspaper=Die Welt|language=de|trans-title=Marriage for all: CSU gives up without a fight in the Bundesrat|access-date=7 July 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.com/en/same-sex-marriage-bill-clears-german-upper-house/a-39593290 |title=Same-sex marriage bill clears German upper house |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=7 July 2017 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |archive-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708005816/http://www.dw.com/en/same-sex-marriage-bill-clears-german-upper-house/a-39593290 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/07/07/germanys-upper-house-gives-green-light-to-equal-marriage/ |title=Germany's upper house gives green light to equal marriage |publisher=PinkNews |last=Duffy |first=Nick |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=7 July 2017 |archive-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708152430/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/07/07/germanys-upper-house-gives-green-light-to-equal-marriage/ |url-status=dead }} The bill was signed into law on 20 July 2017 by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.{{cite web|url=https://www.thelocal.de/20170721/germanys-first-same-sex-marriages-expected-in-october|title=Germany's first same-sex marriages expected in October|date=21 July 2017|work=The Local|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721180146/https://www.thelocal.de/20170721/germanys-first-same-sex-marriages-expected-in-october|archive-date=21 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/german-president-signs-gay-marriage-bill-into-law/a-39795137|title=German president signs gay marriage bill into law|work=Deutsche Welle|date=21 July 2017|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721181105/http://www.dw.com/en/german-president-signs-gay-marriage-bill-into-law/a-39795137|archive-date=21 July 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2017-07/ehe-fuer-alle-frank-walter-steinmeier-bundespraesident-unterzeichnung|title=Gesetz zur Ehe für alle unterzeichnet|newspaper=Die Zeit|date=21 July 2017|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721180823/http://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2017-07/ehe-fuer-alle-frank-walter-steinmeier-bundespraesident-unterzeichnung|archive-date=21 July 2017}} It was published on 28 July in the {{Lang|de|Bundesgesetzblatt}} and came into force the first day of the third month after publication (i.e. 1 October 2017).{{cite web|title=Gesetz zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen gleichen Geschlechts|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl117s2787.pdf|publisher=Bundesgesetzblatt|language=de|date=28 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.n-tv.de/politik/Ehe-fuer-alle-gilt-ab-1-Oktober-article19958644.html|title=Ehe für alle gilt ab 1. Oktober|publisher=n-tv|language=de|date=28 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728193910/http://www.n-tv.de/politik/Ehe-fuer-alle-gilt-ab-1-Oktober-article19958644.html|archive-date=28 July 2017}} Hundreds of same-sex couples were married all over Germany that day, with the first same-sex wedding taking place in Schöneberg, Berlin between Karl Kreile and Bodo Mende.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-equalmarriage/germanys-first-same-sex-i-dos-as-marriage-equality-dawns-idUKKCN1C50TA|title=Germany's first same-sex "I do"'s as marriage equality dawns|work=Reuters|date=1 October 2017|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001185951/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-equalmarriage/germanys-first-same-sex-i-dos-as-marriage-equality-dawns-idUKKCN1C50TA|archive-date=1 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41460032|title=Germany gay marriage: Couple are first to marry under new law|work=BBC News|date=1 October 2017|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009055619/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41460032|archive-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/381066ff25604ea88991e74a87912053|title=Germany celebrates 1st same-sex weddings after law change|work=Associated Press|date=1 October 2017|first=Frank|last=Jordans|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009055350/https://apnews.com/381066ff25604ea88991e74a87912053|archive-date=9 October 2017}}
The same-sex marriage law was short; it added the following sentence to Article 1353 of the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch:{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1353.html|title=Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), § 1353 Eheliche Lebensgemeinschaft|work=www.gesetze-im-internet.de|access-date=16 June 2020|language=de}} Marriage may be entered into for life by two persons of different sex or of the same sex.{{efn|{{langx|de|Die Ehe wird von zwei Personen verschiedenen oder gleichen Geschlechts auf Lebenszeit geschlossen.}}}}
==Reactions and aftermath==
File:CSD in Freiburg 2017, Plakate Endlich Ein Recht auf Scheidung und Scheidung für alle .jpg, July 2017]]
File:Protest gegen die Demo für Alle vor dem Kanzleramt in Berlin 24.jpg building in Berlin, 15 September 2017]]
Several legal experts, including MPs and party leaders, raised doubts about the legality of the law, with former President of the Federal Constitutional Court Hans-Jürgen Papier arguing that same-sex marriage is inconsistent with previous definitions of marriage espoused by the court.{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ehe-fuer-alle-ex-verfassungsrichter-hans-juergen-papier-haelt-sie-fuer-verfassungswidrig-a-1155215.html|title=Hans-Jürgen Papier: Ex-Verfassungsrichter hält Ehe für alle für grundgesetzwidrig|date=2 July 2017|newspaper=Spiegel Online|language=de|trans-title=Hans-Jürgen Papier: former justice of the Constitutional Court considers 'marriage for all' unconstitutional|access-date=2 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.focus-fen.net/opinion/2017/07/02/4779/germany-approves-gay-marriage-next-stop-constitutional-court.html|title=Germany Approves Gay Marriage: Next Stop Constitutional Court?|work=focus-fen.net|date=2 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118141311/http://www.focus-fen.net/opinion/2017/07/02/4779/germany-approves-gay-marriage-next-stop-constitutional-court.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2017-07/ehe-fuer-alle-verfassungsklage-bundesverfassungsgericht-faq/|title=Ehe für alle: Könnte eine Klage gegen die Ehe für alle erfolgreich sein?|date=2 July 2017|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2 July 2017|language=de|trans-title=Marriage for all: could a constitutional complaint be successful?}} Article 6(1) of the Constitution places "marriage and family" under the "special protection of the state order".{{Cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/2017-07/ehe-fuer-alle-volker-kauder-grundgesetz-bundesverfassungsgericht|title=Ehe für alle: Kauder rechnet mit Verfassungsklage|date=1 July 2017|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2 July 2017|language=de|trans-title=Marriage for all: Kauder expects constitutional complaint}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ehe-fuer-alle-afd-will-vor-bundesverfassungsgericht-klagen-a-1155438.html|title=AfD will gegen Ehe für alle klagen|date=2 July 2017|newspaper=Der Spiegel|language=de|access-date=2 July 2017}}{{Cite book|title=Selected National, European and International Provisions from Public and Private Law|publisher=Europa Law Publishing|year=2010|editor-last=Kiiver|editor-first=Philipp|pages=27|editor-last2=Kornet|editor-first2=Nicole}} An amendment to the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Parliament. These concerns were dismissed by Federal Justice Minister Heiko Maas, who argued that Article 6(1) neither defines the term "marriage" nor rules out a wider definition.
Following the passage of the law, the Bavarian Government and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party both said they would consider petitioning the court for a judicial review ({{lang|de|abstrakte Normenkontrolle}}).{{Cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2017-07/ehe-fuer-alle-csu-horst-seehofer-klage-pruefung|title=Gleichstellung: Seehofer prüft Verfassungsklage gegen Ehe für alle|date=4 July 2017|work=Die Zeit|access-date=4 July 2017|language=de}}{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-afd-threatens-law-suit-over-gay-marriage/|title=Germany's AfD threatens law suit over gay marriage|work=Politico Europe|date=2 July 2017}} However, the AfD lacked legal standing to bring a challenge, as it was not part of the federal government nor any state government. It also did not have any representation in the Bundestag at the time, and did not reach the necessary quarter of Bundestag members in the 2017 election.{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ehe-fuer-alle-klagen-vor-dem-bundesverfassungsgericht-sind-sehr-unwahrscheinlich-a-1155755.html|title=Ehe für alle: Sie wollen klagen - aber sie können nicht|last=Hipp|first=Dietmar|date=3 July 2017|newspaper=Spiegel Online|language=de|trans-title=Marriage for all: they want to sue, but they can't|access-date=4 July 2017}} On 6 March 2018, the Bavarian Government announced it would not challenge the law, after commissioned assessments found its chances to be successful as low.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bayern.de/bericht-aus-der-kabinettssitzung-vom-6-maerz-2018/?seite=1579|title=Bericht aus der Kabinettssitzung vom 6. März 2018|publisher=Government of Bavaria|language=de|date=6 March 2018|access-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309010349/http://www.bayern.de/bericht-aus-der-kabinettssitzung-vom-6-maerz-2018/?seite=1579|archive-date=9 March 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article174247358/Bayern-klagt-nicht-gegen-die-Ehe-fuer-alle.html|title=Bayern klagt nicht gegen die Ehe für alle|work=Deutsche Presse-Agentur|publisher=Die Welt|language=de|date=6 March 2018|access-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309012336/https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article174247358/Bayern-klagt-nicht-gegen-die-Ehe-fuer-alle.html|archive-date=9 March 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/bavaria-drops-gay-marriage-challenge/|title=German state drops gay marriage legal challenge as they have 'no chance of winning'|first=Jamie|last=Wareham|publisher=Gay Star News|date=8 March 2018|access-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309014852/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/bavaria-drops-gay-marriage-challenge/|archive-date=9 March 2018}}
In September 2018, nearly a year after legalization, the AfD introduced a motion to the Bundestag to abolish same-sex marriage. The measure was rejected on 11 October,{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=31361|title=AfD will Eheverbot für Schwule und Lesben wieder einführen|work=Queer.de|date=15 June 2018|last=Klein|first=Dennis}}{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=32030|title=Bundestag: AfD bringt Antrag zur Abschaffung der Ehe für alle ein|work=Queer.de|date=27 September 2018}} with every other political party opposing the motion. Several Green and CDU/CSU lawmakers instead congratulated the thousands of same-sex couples who had married in Germany in the past year, while other MPs criticised the AfD for their proposal, calling it "undemocratic", "wrong", "a cheap political trick at the expense of free society" or even "lazy as hell".{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=32122|title=Antrag gegen Ehe für alle: Bundestag nimmt AfD auseinander|first=Norbert|last=Blech|website=queer.de}} In June 2019, the AfD re-introduced a motion to repeal the same-sex marriage law in both the Legal Affairs Committee and the Family Committee. The proposal was rejected by every other political party. The CDU/CSU stated that "the constitutional concept of marriage is open to same-sex couples". The Social Democrats criticized the AfD for trying to "reopen a completed constitutional debate", while the FDP criticized that a renewed marriage ban for same-sex couples would "reduce their freedom". The Left considered the AfD draft to be a "deliberate provocation aimed at denying equal rights to sexual minorities", and the Greens pointed out that there is "broad political and social majority" support for same-sex marriage.{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=34019|title=AfD-Vorstoś sur Abschaffung der Ehe für alle abgelehnt|work=Queer.de|date=9 July 2019|language=de}} That same month, the AfD presented a motion to the Landtag of Schleswig-Holstein to force the state government to challenge the same-sex marriage law at the Federal Constitutional Court. The motion was unsuccessful and opposed by every other political party in the Landtag.{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=31950|title=AfD macht im Landtag Stimmung gegen die Ehe für alle|work=Queer.de|date=14 September 2018|last=Klein|first=Dennis}}{{cite web|url=https://m.huffingtonpost.de/entry/afd-will-offenbar-ehe-fur-alle-wieder-abschaffen_de_5bb1ada1e4b0343b3dc187bf|title=AfD will Ehe für alle wieder abschaffen|work=The Huffington Post|date=1 October 2018|access-date=7 October 2018|archive-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328175902/https://m.huffingtonpost.de/entry/afd-will-offenbar-ehe-fur-alle-wieder-abschaffen_de_5bb1ada1e4b0343b3dc187bf|url-status=dead}}
In December 2018, the German Parliament passed legislation amending several laws to reflect the legalisation of same-sex marriage, including with regard to the recognition of foreign same-sex marriages and the conversions of registered life partnerships to marriages.{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzer.de/gesetz/13245/index.htm|title=EheRAnpG Gesetz zur Umsetzung des Gesetzes zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen|website=www.buzer.de}}
= Marriage statistics =
According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, up to 84,000 same-sex marriages had taken place in Germany by the end of 2023, a large proportion being conversions from registered partnerships.{{cite web|url=https://www.lsvd.de/de/ct/1429-Wie-viele-gleichgeschlechtliche-Ehen-gibt-es-in-Deutschland|title=Wie viele gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe gibt es in Deutschland?|work=Lesben- under Schwulenverband|date=|language=de}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=31997|title=Tausende schwule und lesbische Paare haben geheiratet|website=queer.de}}[https://www.thelocal.de/20180928/marriage-for-all-thousands-of-same-sex-couples-tie-the-knot One year of 'Marriage for all' in Germany: How many couples have tied the knot?], The Local.de, 28 September 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-publishes-data-on-first-5-years-of-same-sex-marriage/a-62362887|title=Germany publishes data on first 5 years of same-sex marriage|last=Connor|first=Richard|date=5 July 2022|work=Deutsche Welle}}
| class="wikitable"
! rowspan=2| Year ! colspan=3| Same-sex marriages ! rowspan=2|Opposite-sex ! rowspan=2|Total ! rowspan=2| % |
| Male
! Female ! Total |
|---|
| 2017{{efn|from October}}
|6,080||5,067||11,147||92,209||103,356||12.1% |
| 2018
|10,686||11,071||21,757||449,466||482,370||4.51% |
| 2019
|6,815||7,206||14,021||416,324||430,345||3.37% |
| 2020
|4,663||5,276||9,939||373,304||383,243||2.66% |
| 2021
|4,068||4,642||8,710||349,075||357,785||2.43% |
| 2022
|4,664||5,379||10,043||380,700||390,743||2.57% |
| 2023
|4,319||4,909||9,226||351,766||360,992||2.55% |
680 same-sex couples married in Berlin from October to the end of December 2017;{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-online.de/-/83267644|title="Ehe für alle": 680 homosexuelle Paare haben geheiratet|website=www.t-online.de|date=21 February 2018 }} 181 in Tempelhof-Schöneberg, 100 in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and 97 in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, while the remaining couples married in the 9 other boroughs. During these three months, same-sex marriages accounted for 18.4% of all marriages performed in Berlin. 168 same-sex marriages were performed in Stuttgart from October to December 2017, with most being conversions from registered partnerships. In Mannheim, 135 same-sex couples were married between October 2017 and February 2018, with all but 16 of these marriages being conversions from registered partnerships. In Freiburg im Breisgau, 46 same-sex couples had married by February 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/bw/zwischenbilanz-ehe-fuer-alle-in-baden-wuerttemberg/-/id=1622/did=21232086/nid=1622/15z241l/index.html|title=Viele gleichgeschlechtliche Paare trauen sich|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822215425/https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/bw/zwischenbilanz-ehe-fuer-alle-in-baden-wuerttemberg/-/id=1622/did=21232086/nid=1622/15z241l/index.html|url-status=dead}}
By the end of March 2018, more than 1,000 same-sex marriages had taken place in Berlin (four boroughs did not publish their marriage statistics, leaving incomplete data), 900 in Hamburg, 644 in Cologne, 477 in Munich, 216 in Frankfurt, 192 in Düsseldorf, 180 in Dortmund and 158 in Hannover.{{Cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=30898|title=Über 1.000 Ehe-Schließungen unter Schwulen und Lesben in Berlin|website=queer.de}} Most were conversions from registered partnerships.
2,540 same-sex marriages were performed in Berlin between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2018, constituting 16.2% of the total 15,660 marriages. Of these, 1,637 (64%) were between two men and 903 (36%) were between two women, while 1,551 (61%) were converted registered life partnerships.{{cite web|url=https://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin/ehe-fuer-alle-tausende-gaben-sich-in-berlin-und-brandenburg-das-jawort|title=Ehe für alle - Tausende gaben sich in Berlin und Brandenburg das Jawort|work=B.Z. Berlin|date=5 July 2019|language=de}}{{cite web|url=https://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article226392553/Ehe-fuer-alle-in-Brandenburg-Ueber-900-Paare-verheiratet.html|title=Ehe für alle in Brandenburg: Über 900 Paare verheiratet|work=Berliner Morgenpost|date=5 July 2019|language=de|access-date=11 July 2019|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711211524/https://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article226392553/Ehe-fuer-alle-in-Brandenburg-Ueber-900-Paare-verheiratet.html|url-status=dead}} In Brandenburg, 903 same-sex marriages were performed in the same time period, constituting 5.9% of the total 15,440 marriages. 481 (53%) were between two women and 422 (47%) were between two men, while 550 (61%) were converted registered partnerships.{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=33999|title=Berlin: 16 Prozent der Eheschließungen gleichgeschechtlich|work=Queer.de|date=5 July 2019|language=de}}
=Religious performance=
Same-sex marriage remains a controversial topic among Germany's largest religious organisations: the Protestant Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church does not permit same-sex marriages in its places of worship, while most member churches of the Protestant Church allow their clergy to officiate at same-sex marriages. Some smaller religious denominations also permit same-sex marriages. The synod of the Catholic Diocese of the Old Catholics in Germany voted in November 2021 to bless and perform same-sex marriages in its churches, removing all distinctions between same-sex and opposite-sex partners in canon law and liturgical matters. It had already allowed for the blessing of same-sex registered partnerships since 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.alt-katholisch.de/alt-katholische-synode-beschliesst-gleichstellung-von-partnerschaftssegnung-und-ehe/|title=Alt-Katholische Synode beschließt Gleichstellung von Partnerschaftssegnung und Ehe|work=www.alt-katholische.de|language=de|date=13 November 2021}} In November 2022, the United Methodist Church in Germany voted to allow blessings of same-sex marriages.{{cite web|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/208877/29-11-2022/gewissen-kann-ein-veto-sein-deutsche-methodisten-fuer-segnung-homosexueller-paare|work=Evangelisch.de|title=Deutsche Methodisten für Segnung homosexueller Ehepaare|date=29 November 2022}} Some Jewish,{{cite web|url=https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/politik/chuppa-auch-fu%CC%88r-homo-paare/|language=de|title=Chuppa auch für Homo-Paare?|work=Jüdische Allgemeine|date=1 June 2015}} and Buddhist groups also perform same-sex marriages.{{cite web|url=https://buddhismus-aktuell.de/artikel/die-mutigen-schwestern-der-goldenen-orchidee-und-andere-buddhistische-pioniere-der-gleichgeschlechtlichen-ehe/|title=Die mutigen Schwestern der Goldenen Orchidee … und andere buddhistische Pioniere der gleichgeschlechtlichen Ehe|language=de|work=Buddhismus Aktuell|access-date=1 October 2024|first=Michael|last=Vermeulen}}
The New Apostolic Church has authorised blessings of same-sex registered partnerships since 2011. The couple may receive a "prayer of blessing", but this differs from the classical wedding blessing. Before this, a same-sex couple had received a blessing in Velbert in 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.nak-nrw.de/aktuelles/kurznotiert/111223_segensgebet-fuer-eingetragene-partnerschaften/ |title=Segensgebet für eingetragene Partnerschaften |date=December 23, 2011 |language=German |website=Neuapostolische Kirche Nordrhein-Westfalen |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426071225/http://www.nak-nrw.de/aktuelles/kurznotiert/111223_segensgebet-fuer-eingetragene-partnerschaften/ |archive-date=April 26, 2012}}
==Protestant Church==
The Protestant Church consists of twenty Lutheran, Reformed and United Protestant regional churches, encompassing the vast majority of Germany's Protestants. All twenty churches allow their clergy to bless same-sex relationships. Several also perform same-sex marriages in their places of worship: the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (2016), the Protestant Church in Baden (2016),{{cite web|url=https://www.badische-zeitung.de/suedwest-1/landeskirche-genehmigt-gleichgeschlechtliche-trauungen--121184022.html|title=Landeskirche genehmigt gleichgeschlechtliche Trauungen|website=Badische Zeitung|date=23 April 2016|language=de}} the Evangelical Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper Lusatia (2016),{{cite web|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/queerspiegel/homo-ehe-in-der-kirche-trauung-fuer-alle-in-berlin-erlaubt/13416326.html|title=Trauung für alle in Berlin erlaubt|website=Der Tagesspiegel|date=9 April 2016|language=de}} the Evangelical Reformed Church in Germany (2017), the Evangelical Church of Bremen (2018),{{cite web|url=https://www.kirche-bremen.de/aktuelles/meinungen-und-positionen/lebensformen/|title=Segnungen und Trauungen homosexueller Paare|website=kirche-bremen.de|language=de}} the Evangelical Church of Hesse Electorate-Waldeck (2018), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oldenburg (2018), the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau (2019), the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Hanover (2019), the Evangelical Church of the Palatinate (2019), the Church of Lippe (2019), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany (2019), the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (2020), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brunswick (2022),{{cite web|url= https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/193228/22-11-2021/kirche-braunschweig-beschliesst-trauung-fuer-alle|title= Kirche Braunschweig beschließt "Trauung für alle"|work=evangelisch.de|date=22 November 2021|language=de}} and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (2025).{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=53155|work=Queer.de|language=de|title=Bayerische Synode beschließt Trauung für alle|date=4 April 2025}} The Evangelical Church in Central Germany allows same-sex marriages to be performed in its churches but only if the local municipality agrees.
On 14 August 2016, despite the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages, two men were married at St. Mary's Church in Berlin by two Protestant pastors, the first same-sex marriage performed in a German church.{{cite news |last=Pongratz-Lippitt |first=Christa |title=Same-sex couple married in German Protestant church, a first |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/world/same-sex-couple-married-german-protestant-church-first |access-date=23 August 2016|work=National Catholic Reporter |date=16 August 2016}} Marriages of same-sex couples are entered into the official church register. Pastors are under no obligation to perform same-sex marriages if this would violate their personal beliefs.{{cite web|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/111225/20-11-2014/segnung-homosexueller-bunt-wie-ein-regenbogen|title=Segnung Homosexueller: Bunt wie ein Regenbogen|website=evangelisch.de|language=de|date=21 June 2021}}
==Catholic Church==
Although the Catholic Church officially opposes same-sex marriages, several Catholic priests have been secretly blessing same-sex relationships for years, notably in the Diocese of Aachen where five same-sex couples received a blessing in Mönchengladbach in 2003.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/vorab/a-260660.html|title=Riskanter Segen für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=9 August 2003}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.6022063/german-priests-are-blessing-same-sex-unions-in-direct-defiance-of-a-vatican-order-1.6022276|title=German priests are blessing same-sex unions in direct defiance of a Vatican order|website=CBC News|date=11 May 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/148554/06-02-2018/inofiziell-segnen-katholische-pfarrer-immer-wieder-homosexuelle-paare?kamp=b-014|title=Inofiziell segnen katholische Pfarrer immer wieder homosexuelle Paare|work=Evangelisch.de|date=6 February 2021|language=de}} In 2007, a same-sex couple also received a blessing in Wetzlar in the Diocese of Limburg.{{cite web |url=http://www.fr-online.de/rhein-main/bischof-von-limburg-dekan-muss-gehen-wegen-schwulen-trauung,1472796,3427662.html |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801034749/http://www.fr-online.de/frankfurt_und_hessen/nachrichten/hessen/?em_cnt=1579558 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |title=Dakan muß gehen wegen Trauung eines homosexuellen Paares |language=German |date=20 August 2008 |archive-date=1 August 2012}} In May 2015, the Central Committee of German Catholics voted in favour of the blessing of same-sex unions.{{cite web |url=http://www.br.de/nachrichten/aktuelles/zdk-katholiken-tagung-102.html |website=Bayerischer Rundfunk |title=Segnung von Homo-Ehen gefordert |first=Christian |last=Wölfel |date=10 May 2015 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110012007/http://www.br.de/nachrichten/aktuelles/zdk-katholiken-tagung-102.html |archive-date=10 January 2016}} Several bishops have expressed their support for the blessings of same-sex relationships, including bishops Helmut Dieser, Franz-Josef Hermann Bode, Peter Kohlgraf, Georg Bätzing, Heinrich Timmerevers and Bertram Meier.{{cite web|url=https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/augsburger-bischof-bertram-meier-will-homosexuelle-segnen,SZs9kzk|title=Augsburger Bischof Bertram Meier will homosexuelle Ehepaare segnen|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610022535/https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/augsburger-bischof-bertram-meier-will-homosexuelle-segnen,SZs9kzk|archive-date=10 June 2021|date=9 June 2021|work=BR.de}} In May 2021, in response to the Holy See reiterating a ban on blessing same-sex unions, some 120 priests decided to publicly defy the ban and bless several couples. Among them, Father Jan Korditschke decided to bless a member in his congregation whose partner had recently died, stating "How can you not bless - sorry, I'm getting emotional - a person in mourning after a long-term relationship? Should I say you should be grateful you got rid of this sinful love?". A 2015 survey conducted by the Free University of Berlin and the University of Münster showed that 70% of German Catholics supported church blessings for same-sex relationships.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57184533|title=Germany's quiet Catholic rebellion on gay blessings and women preachers|website=BBC News|date=24 May 2021}}
In March 2023, the Synodal Path of the German Catholic Church voted in support of blessing same-sex couples. "Often same-sex couples and remarried divorcees have experienced exclusion and depreciation in our Church. The possibility of publicly placing their partnership under God's blessing does not make up for these experiences. However, it offers the Church the opportunity to show appreciation for the love and values that exist in these relationships and thus ask for forgiveness and make reconciliation possible."{{cite web|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/03/11/german-catholic-bishops-defy-vatican-over-same-sex-relationships/|title=German Catholic bishops defy Vatican and back blessing of same-sex relationships|work=PinkNews|date=11 March 2023|first=Sophie|last=Perry}} The move, which was approved by a vote of 176–14 with 12 abstentions by the Synodal Path, will take effect in 2026.{{cite web|url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/german-synodal-way-backs-same-sex-blessings|title=German synodal way backs same-sex blessings|work=The Pillar|date=10 March 2023|first=Luke|last=Coppen}} Shortly following the vote, the dioceses of Osnabrück,{{cite web|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/213526/14-03-2023/nach-beschluss-auf-synodalem-weg-bistum-osnabrueck-erlaubt-segensfeiern-fuer-homo-paare|work=Evangelisch.de|title=Bistum Osnabrück erlaubt Segensfeiern für Homo-Paare|language=de|date=14 March 2023}} Essen,{{cite web|url=https://neuesruhrwort.de/2023/03/22/overbeck-segnung-homosexueller-paare-im-bistum-essen-moeglich/|work=Neues Ruhrwort|title=Overbeck, Segnung homosexueller Paare im Bistum Essen möglich|language=de|date=22 March 2023}} and Speyer,{{cite web|url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/48339-brief-an-seelsorger-bischof-wiesemann-bittet-um-segensfeiern-fuer-alle|work=Katholisch.de|title=Brief an Seelsorger: Bischof Wiesemann bittet um Segensfeiern für alle|date=3 November 2023|language=de}} as well as the Archdiocese of Berlin,{{cite web|url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/46683-erzbischof-koch-segnung-homosexueller-paare-im-erzbistum-moeglich|title=Erzbischof Koch: Segnung homosexueller Paare im Erzbistum möglich|work=Katholisch.de|date=25 August 2023|language=de}} announced that their clergy could bless same-sex couples.
In December 2023, the Holy See published Fiducia supplicans, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless couples who are not considered to be married according to church teaching, including the blessing of same-sex couples.{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=JD |date=2023-12-22 |title=Is the 'false narrative' narrative a false narrative? |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=The Pillar |language=en|archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223121603/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |url-status=live }} The declaration was welcomed by several bishops. Bätzing said he was "grateful", "The declaration Fiducia supplicans addresses the issues that have become apparent in the recent past around the topics of requests for blessing and blessings from a pastoral perspective and in a theologically moderate and calm language. The declaration applies theological categories and terms in a responsible manner. It draws a clear line between unwavering fidelity to the teachings of the Church and the pastoral requirements of an ecclesial practice that wants to be close to people. A pastoral scope for action is described here, which illustrates responsible Church practice." Bishop of Passau Stefan Oster said the declaration could "help us in the polarized debates on this issue", "As a Catholic Church, in the pastoral walk with these people we usually have a great deficit of understanding, and all too often almost no ability to communicate in the care of souls. Now the scope for a shared pastoral path is widening."{{cite web|url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/fiducia-supplicans-whos-saying-what|title='Fiducia supplicans': Who's saying what?|work=The Pillar|first=Luke|last=Coppen|date=19 December 2023}}
Public opinion
File:Cologne Germany Cologne-Gay-Pride-2015 Parade-12.jpg calling on Chancellor Angela Merkel (often referred to by the moniker "Mutti Merkel") to support the legalisation of same-sex marriage, July 2015]]
File:Youths' Views on Same-sex Marriage (2016).png]]
The 2006 Eurobarometer, seeking public attitudes on economic, political, and social issues for member states of the European Union, found that Germany ranked seventh supporting same-sex marriage with 52% popular support. German support for same-sex marriage was above the European Union average of 44%.{{Cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/584|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201043015/https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/584|title=Standard Eurobarometer 66 - Autumn 2006|archive-date=February 1, 2023|work=europa.eu}}
In January 2013, a poll conducted by YouGov found that German support for same-sex marriage was 66%, with 24% opposed and 10% undecided. Support for adoption by same-sex couples was 59%, with 31% opposed and 11% undecided.{{cite web|url=http://yougov.co.uk/news/2013/01/11/french-opposed-gay-adoption/|title=Same-Sex Marriage in Europe Poll 2013 |access-date=2013-01-11}} A survey conducted the following month by RTL Television and Stern magazine found that 74% of Germans were supportive of same-sex marriage, with 23% against. Support was recorded to be strongest among Green and Social Democratic (SPD) voters, but even among voters of Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing Christian Democrats (CDU) almost two-thirds were in favour.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-gays-idUKBRE91Q0NT20130227|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142129/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-gays-idUKBRE91Q0NT20130227|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=Most Germans support gay marriage, poll shows|publisher=Reuters|date=27 February 2013}} A May 2013 Ipsos poll found that 67% of respondents were in favour of same-sex marriage and another 12% supported other forms of recognition for same-sex couples.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=12795|title=Same-Sex Marriage|date=7–21 May 2013|publisher=Ipsos|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314051755/http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=12795|archive-date=14 March 2016}} A poll conducted that same month by Ifop showed that 74% of Germans supported allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ifop.com/publication/enquete-sur-la-droitisation-des-opinions-publiques-europeennes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201082402/http://www.ifop.com/media/poll/2255-1-study_file.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Enquête sur la droitisation des opinions publiques européennes|archive-date=1 February 2016|website=IFOP}}
According to an October 2013 poll by TNS Emnid, 70% supported full legal equality of registered partnerships and marriage.TNS Emnid poll on 15–16 October 2013, 1010 respondents
According to a May 2015 poll by YouGov, 65% of Germans supported same-sex marriage (by party: 57% of CDU/CSU voters, 79% of SPD voters, 68% of The Left voters and 94% of Green voters), while 28% opposed allowing same-sex couples to marry and 7% were undecided. Support rose to 75% among 18–24-year-olds, but fell to 60% among those aged 55 and over. By religion, support was 64% among Catholics and 63% among Protestants. Support for adoption by same-sex couples was 57%, with 35% opposed and 8% undecided.{{Cite web|url=https://yougov.de/news/2015/05/29/mehrheit-der-deutschen-fur-ehe-fur-alle/|title=Mehrheit der Deutschen für Homo-Ehe|website=YouGov: What the world thinks}} The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 66% of Germans thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 29% were opposed.{{Cite web|url=http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122075042/http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Special Eurobarometer 437|archive-date=22 January 2016}}
A May 2015 poll by TNS Emnid found that 64% of Germans supported same-sex marriage (by party: 63% of CDU/CSU voters, 77% of SPD voters, 63% of FDP voters, 62% of The Left voters, 89% of Green voters and 14% of AfD voters), while 31% were opposed and 5% were undecided.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/queerspiegel/streit-um-die-homo-ehe-demo-bischof-umfrage-alle-wollen-ehe-fuer-alle/11848616.html|title=Demo, Bischof, Umfrage: Alle wollen Ehe für alle|newspaper=Der Tagesspiegel Online}} A poll conducted the following month by INSA showed that 65% of Germans supported same-sex marriage (by party: 58% of CDU/CSU voters, 75% of SPD voters, 72% of The Left voters, 79% of Green voters, 65% of FDP voters, and 42% of AfD voters).{{Cite web|url=https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/gleichgeschlechtliche-ehe/zwei-drittel-zustimmung-41200600.bild.html|title=BILD-Umfrage: Zwei Drittel der Deutschen sind für die "Homo-Ehe"|website=bild.de|date=2 June 2015 }} A September–October 2016 survey by the Varkey Foundation found that 82% of 18–21-year-olds supported same-sex marriage in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf|title=What The World's Young People Think And Feel|work=Varkey Foundation|date=January 2017|last1=Broadbent|first1=Emma|last2=Gougoulis|first2=John|last3=Lui|first3=Nicole|last4=Pota|first4=Vikas|first5=Jonathan|last5=Simons|access-date=14 April 2021|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820230036/https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf|url-status=live}}
In January 2017, a study by Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency indicated that 83% of Germans were in favour of same-sex marriage.{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/germans-not-opposed-to-same-sex-marriage/a-37110913|title=Germans not opposed to same sex marriage|website=Deutsche Welle|date=12 January 2017}} A June 2017 ZDF poll found that 73% of Germans supported same-sex marriage, including 95% of Green voters, 82% of SPD voters, 81% of The Left voters, 64% of CDU/CSU voters, 63% of FDP voters, and 55% of AfD voters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/heute-in-deutschland/politbarometer-mehrheit-fuer-home-ehe-100.html|title=Politbarometer: Deutliche Mehrheit für die Homo-Ehe|date=23 June 2017|work=ZDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623142645/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/heute-in-deutschland/politbarometer-mehrheit-fuer-home-ehe-100.html|archive-date=23 June 2017}} A Pew Research Center poll, conducted between April and August 2017 and published in May 2018, showed that 75% of Germans supported same-sex marriage, 23% were opposed and 2% did not know or had refused to answer.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/religion-and-society/ Religion and society], Pew Research Center, 29 May 2018 When divided by religion, 86% of religiously unaffiliated people, 82% of non-practicing Christians and 53% of church-attending Christians supported same-sex marriage.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/ Being Christian in Western Europe], Pew Research Center, 29 May 2018 Opposition was 15% among 18–34-year-olds.[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/10/29/eastern-and-western-europeans-differ-on-importance-of-religion-views-of-minorities-and-key-social-issues/ Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues], Pew Research Center, 2017
The 2019 Eurobarometer found that 84% of Germans thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 12% were opposed.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|title=Eurobarometer on Discrimination 2019: The social acceptance of LGBTI people in the EU|publisher=European Commission|work=TNS|access-date=23 September 2019|page=2}} A Pew Research Center poll conducted between February and May 2023 showed that 80% of Germans supported same-sex marriage, 18% were opposed and 2% did not know or had refused to answer. When divided by political affiliation, support was highest among those on the left of the political spectrum at 86%, followed by those at the center at 80% and those on the right at 74%. Women (85%) were also more likely to support same-sex marriage than men (74%).{{cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/13/how-people-in-24-countries-view-same-sex-marriage/|title=How people in 24 countries view same-sex marriage|work=Pew Research Center|date=13 June 2023}} The 2023 Eurobarometer showed that support was similar, at 84%, while 13% were opposed. The survey also found that 84% of Germans thought that "there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex", while 13% disagreed.{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|title=Eurobarometer 2023: Discrimination in the European Union|access-date=1 January 2024|work=europa.eu}}
See also
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- {{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_lpartg/index.html|title=Act on Registered Life Partnerships|work=Gesetze im Internet|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927231517/https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_lpartg/index.html|year=2022}}
- {{cite web|url=https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Gesetzgebungsverfahren/DE/Eheoeffnung_BegleitG.html|title=Gesetz zur Einführung des Rechts auf Eheschließung für Personen gleichen Geschlechts|work=Federal Ministry of Justice|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208130916/https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Gesetzgebungsverfahren/DE/Eheoeffnung_BegleitG.html|archive-date=8 December 2018|trans-title=Law introducing the right to marry for persons of the same sex}}
{{LGBT in Germany}}
{{Europe in topic|Same-sex marriage in}}
{{Status of same-sex unions}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:LGBTQ rights in Germany