Fresh push for same-sex marriage in Germany
The junior party in the ruling coalition in Germany has announced a new bid for same-sex marriage.
The Social Democrats (SPD), the junior party in coalition with Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats announced the new bid on Sunday.
Accoring to Thomas Oppermann, the parliamentary leader for the SDP, the Green Party will also push for the move.
Oppermann suggested to Der Spiegel magazine that his party would push for pardons for men convicted of historic gay sex offences.
The SDP hopes that in the upcoming September elections, that it may be able to form a government with smaller parties, and move away from the coalition with the Christian Democrats.
The Green Party’s parliamentary group leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt released a statement saying the party would ask for public debates on the issue.
“For years, we’ve seen nothing but hot air from the conservatives and the SPD,” she said.
Various studies have found a majority in support of same-sex marriage in Germany.
But despite this the Christian Democrats have continually opposed it.
Officials claim they are unable to pursue reform on the issue due to the strict coalition agreement.
However, the leader has overseen other reforms, strengthening protections for same-sex couples and issuing compensation to men with historic gay sex offences.
Merkel last year warned US President Donald Trump to respect freedom from discrimination, in her statement on his victory.
