Two men become first couple to wed under the new law
Many people across Germany celebrated yesterday as the first same-sex couples were married in the country.
Bodo Mende, 60, and Karl Kreile, 59, who have been together for 38 years, were married in Schöneberg, Berlin yesterday. They are believed to be the first same-sex couple to marry under the new “marriage for all” law.
The couple celebrated their vows with a kiss after being pronounced husband and husband.
Congratulations Karl and Bodo! – Germany gay marriage: Couple are first to marry under new law via @BBCNews https://t.co/GLRrRrCZ6G
— It Gets Better (@ItGetsBetter) 1 October 2017
Germany celebrates first same-sex wedding after “marriage for all” law takes effect #EhefürAlle 👠👬 💠ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆ
âž¡ï¸ https://t.co/IoMommTfLl pic.twitter.com/BAHzSXLAkq— Pride in London (@LondonLGBTPride) 1 October 2017
Registry offices across the country, usually closed on the weekends, opened their doors on Sunday 1 October to allow same-sex couples to marry.
According to the Rainbow Europe website, the most comprehensive overview of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, Germany now has a rating of 57%.
💜 From today same-sex couples can tie the knot in #Germany! Germany has now 57% on #RainbowEurope. #marriageeqaulity https://t.co/EqKkxW8hIb pic.twitter.com/h8kbfaUy49
— ILGA-Europe (@ILGAEurope) 1 October 2017
German MPs voted by a clear majority to allow same-sex couples to wed in June of this year.