Angela Merkel Has Opened The Door To Same-Sex Marriage In Germany

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Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested that her Christian Democratic Union party could drop its opposition to marriage equality and open the door to a free vote on same-sex marriage in the parliament."I would like to orient the discussion in a direction which raises the question of a decision according to conscience rather than imposing anything," Merkel told Brigitte, a women's magazine, on Monday night.With all of Germany's other main parties — the Social Democrats SPD , the Greens and the Free Democratic Party FDP — in favor of marriage equality, the measure would likely pass through the parliament if a free vote were held.The move is a significant shift for Merkel. In 2013, the chancellor said she had a "hard time" with the issue, and that she had “difficulties” with giving gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt. Her party went into that election opposed to equal marriage and same-sex adoptions over concerns for a child's wellbeing.Merkel's move was welcomed by politicians across the country, including several from within the CDU. “Thank you Angela Merkel! How liberating! For me, we could vote this week!,” one MP tweeted.

But a number of German commentators noted that Merkel's comment was a smart tactical move. The SPD, the FDP and the Greens, with whom Merkel may have to negotiate to form a coalition after September's election, have all said that marriage equality would be one of the conditions to forming a government.

During Monday's interview, Merkel also commented on a number of non-political issues, including why she was not very good at putting on a poker face. I have "given up" on trying, she said. "I simply can't do it — that was already my problem in school."Germany introduced civil unions for gay and lesbian couples in 2001, but they do not have the right to marry. The CDU will present its election manifesto next week.

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