9 out of the 16 German states voted to approve a gay marriage bill today setting up the scene for a showdown in the larger Lower House. The law also includes adoption rights.
The ruling coalition's official position is to make civil unions identical to marriage (a bill to strengthen them was also introduced today) but no gay marriage.
All eyes on coalition partner (SPD): They campaigned hard for lgbt but once they joined Merkel's party they have been mum on gay issues. Will that change this time?
Marriage Bills have failed in the past because a coalition free vote hasn't been announced so I see only three ways this could pass:
1. Angela changes mind/allows a free vote (least likely)
2. Members of her party that want gay marriage (there are several) rebel and vote Yes or abstain
3. Coalition partner risks having members expelled and rebels and votes Yes or abstain (most likely of the three).
http://www.dw.com/en/german-bundesra...age/a-18514869
Time will tell. Best of luck, Deutschland
