A person takes part in the 39th Gay Pride Parade in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Str)
BERLIN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Social Democrat (SPD) and Green parties have called on Chancellor Angela Merkel to allow a free vote on same-sex marriage in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) as early as this week, local press reported on Tuesday.
Their demands were a response to a surprising U-turn by Merkel on the subject, who had previously publicly adopted the official line of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party to oppose same-sex marriage on the grounds of child welfare.
As of 2001, homosexual couples in Germany can enter registered civil partnerships. While these offer equivalent rights to marriage in some regards, including inheritances, same sex couples remain disadvantaged compared to married heterosexuals when it comes to adoption under the existing legal framework.
Speaking to the women's magazine "Brigitte", Merkel signaled a sudden change of heart on the subject after her 11 years in Germany's highest office, which she traced to a personal encounter on the campaign trail.
The chancellor explained that she had been invited to visit the home of a lesbian couple acting as foster parents to eight children and recalled how impressed she was by the caring environment she witnessed there.
Merkel told "Brigitte" that as long as the Youth Welfare Office can entrust eight children to a lesbian couple, the state cannot reasonably argue against (same-sex) adoption on the basis of child welfare.
Merkel went on to say the she could envision a "decision of conscience" on marriage equality in the next Federal Parliament, indicating that parliamentarians would gain a free vote on the matter in which they would not have to follow their respective party lines.
In such a scenario, an overwhelming majority for marriage equality is seen as certain amongst Germany's lawmakers.
Merkel chairs the CDU which together with its sister party, the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), is known for socially conservative views and has held a longstanding opposition to the introduction of same-sex marriage. The chancellor warned that the topic had to be treated with respect in the ongoing election campaign, including for those who held differing views.
The CDU/CSU are the only remaining fraction in German politics to reject marriage equality. The Free Democrats (FDP), SPD and Greens have all made its surrender of this position a condition for forming a coalition with the CDU/CSU after national elections in September.
Politicians from other parties, as well as within the CDU, welcomed the shift, which was agreed upon in advance with the CSU according to dpa.
FDP Secretary General Nicola Beer told Xinhua "We consider Merkel's proposal to allow a free vote on marriage equality in the Federal Parliament to be a wise one. The FDP firmly believes that all humans, regardless of gender, deserve the same rights as long as they take responsibility for one another."
Rather than waiting for the formation of the next parliament, however, members of the CDU, SPD and Greens, demanded that the issue be resolved immediately.
"Thank you Angela Merkel! How Liberating! I would happily have a vote as soon as this week!" CDU parliamentarian Stefan Kaufmann wrote on twitter.
The equality speaker of the SPD faction in parliament, Soenke Rix, reacted similarly, writing:
"Merkel only wants a free vote on marriage equality in the next parliament? Why? We can vote this week."
The Green politician Volker Beck echoed these demands, asking Merkel "not to let the population wait any longer and spare it another election campaign on the topic."
While living circumstances for homosexuals are generally considered to be favorable in Germany, the country tumbled in a ranking of LGBT rights published in the annual Rainbow Europe report this May.
Germany fell three places to 14th out of 49 countries, ranking behind Austria, Sweden and Croatia after several other European countries pressed ahead with more ambitious legislation on marriage, adoption, and transgender rights.
Merkel's unexpected comments on same-sex marriage came following a highly publicized SPD conference during which she was harshly criticized by Social Democrat leader Martin Schulz.
Schulz accused the long-standing chancellor of the "arrogance of power" in trying to lull the German public into a state of political apathy by depicting herself as the only viable alternative in elections.
The CDU/CSU were hoping for a low voter turnout he said, describing this tactic as an "attack on democracy."
Merkel played down the spat, praising Schulz for his eloquence and pro-European credentials, as well as emphasizing the positive tone of their previous encounters.
"I noted (Schulz' attack) with interest, now I want to focus on strengthening democracy."
Merkel's subsequent offer of conceding on marriage equality in the interview with "Brigitte" may reflect her unwillingness to escalate tensions with the SPD with whom the CDU/CSU currently forms a coalition government.
According to a recent representative survey by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, 82 percent of Germans support same sex marriage.
