Germany's Bundestag Approves Same-Sex Marriage

As reported by BBC and the New York Times, on Friday Germany's Bundestag passed legislation permitting same-sex marriage.  Currently only civil unions are allowed for same-sex couples.  The vote was 393-226 with 4 abstentions.  Chancellor Angela Merkel, while voting against the change, told members of her governing coalition to vote on the issue according to their consciences. The legislation changes Germany's law to read: "Marriage is entered into for life by two people of different or the same sex."  The legislation must still be approved by the Bundesrat (the upper house of parliament) and signed by Germany's president, but neither of those steps appears to be in doubt.