A Victory for Gays in Germany
BERLIN — German gay couples exchanged vows, rings and kisses Wednesday, celebrating a victory in their decade-old fight to claim rights once reserved for married heterosexuals and bring the country into line with several of its neighbors.
Dozens of couples across the country tied the knot on the first day of new legislation pushed through by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s center-left government, despite bitter opposition from some conservatives.
The law, passed last year, allows gay couples to register their unions at government offices and requires a court decision for divorce. Same-sex couples also will receive inheritance and health insurance rights.
Same-sex couples in three states--Bavaria, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Hesse--weren’t celebrating, as authorities there have delayed implementing the new law.
The law brings Germany into line with countries such as Denmark, which was the first to allow gay marriages, in 1989; France; and Norway.
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