German parliament approves same-sex marriage, though Merkel votes no

German lawmakers approve same-sex marriage — (Image credit: Tobias Schwarz/AFP/Getty Images)

On Friday, Germany's Bundestag, or parliament, voted to legalize same-sex marriage, in the last session before parliament's summer break and September national elections. Chancellor Angela Merkel had paved the way for the snap vote on Monday when she told lawmakers in her conservative coalition that they could vote their conscience, though she herself voted no on Friday. The measure, which also allows same-sex couples to adopt, passed 393 to 226, with 4 abstentions. It is expected to face legal challenges. Germany has allowed same-sex civil unions since 2001.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.