German Parliament votes in favor of same-sex marriage

German lawmakers on Friday voted to legalize same-sex marriage days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition. The lower house of Parliament approved the measure 393 to 226 with four abstentions. Merkel previously had opposed same-sex marriage but on Monday said members of the conservative party could approach the issue as a “question of conscience.” The chancellor said she voted against the measure, but her position change sped up the voting process and allowed members of the conservative coalition to vote individually. In 2001, Germany started allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, but marriages remained illegal. Friday’s measure still needs formal approval from the upper house of Parliament and the signature of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before it becomes law.