Same-sex marriage in Germany

Same-sex marriage in Germany

In Germany, two people who love each other can get married, no matter if they are both men or both women. This became possible on 1 October 2017. Before that day, same-sex couples could have something called a registered life partnership. This gave them many rights, but not all the same rights as married couples.

Many people in Germany wanted same-sex couples to have the same rights as married couples. In June 2017, leaders in Germany voted to change the law. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed the new law, and it became official on 1 October 2017.

Germany was the first country in Central Europe to allow same-sex marriage. It was also the fourteenth country in Europe and the 22nd in the world to allow it. Now, same-sex couples in Germany can enjoy all the same benefits and responsibilities as other married couples.

People in Germany have shown strong support for same-sex marriage. Over the years, more and more people think it is a good idea. In 2006, about half of people in Germany supported it. By 2017, this grew to 83%. Today, around 80% to 84% of people in Germany support same-sex marriage. This shows that many people in Germany think love is love, no matter who you love.