http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 12:20:45 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:20:45 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-survey-shows-widespread-homophobia-in-europe-a-900505.html#ref=rss Harassed at work and the doctor's office, bullied and assaulted in public: The gay, bisexual and transgender community is still widely discriminated against in Europe. In an new EU survey, the most comprehensive to date, more than 90,000 participants report on the extent of their harassment. Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33:44 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-survey-shows-widespread-homophobia-in-europe-a-900505.html Harassed at work and the doctor's office, bullied and assaulted in public: The gay, bisexual and transgender community is still widely discriminated against in Europe. In an new EU survey, the most comprehensive to date, more than 90,000 participants report on the extent of their harassment. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html#ref=rss The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:31:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-attacks-spike-in-france-as-marriage-vote-nears-a-896012.html#ref=rss The French parliament is expected to vote to approve same-sex marriages on Tuesday. The debate over the legislation has divided the country, with an increase in aggressive homophobic sentiment. On Monday, the leader of parliament received a threatening letter filled with gunpowder. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:29:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-attacks-spike-in-france-as-marriage-vote-nears-a-896012.html The French parliament is expected to vote to approve same-sex marriages on Tuesday. The debate over the legislation has divided the country, with an increase in aggressive homophobic sentiment. On Monday, the leader of parliament received a threatening letter filled with gunpowder. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-senate-passes-same-sex-marriage-law-a-893532.html#ref=rss Following months of protests both for and against the measure, the French Senate on Tuesday night passed an important provision in a package of laws that would legalize same-sex marriage in the country. The vote is a political win for embattled President Hollande. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-senate-passes-same-sex-marriage-law-a-893532.html Following months of protests both for and against the measure, the French Senate on Tuesday night passed an important provision in a package of laws that would legalize same-sex marriage in the country. The vote is a political win for embattled President Hollande.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-dutch-gay-human-rights-activist-boris-ditrich-a-892800.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, Boris Dittrich, advocacy director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender program at Human Rights Watch, discusses the current debates on same-sex marriage in Europe and the United States and virulent homophobia in Russia and Uganda. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-dutch-gay-human-rights-activist-boris-ditrich-a-892800.html In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, Boris Dittrich, advocacy director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender program at Human Rights Watch, discusses the current debates on same-sex marriage in Europe and the United States and virulent homophobia in Russia and Uganda. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html#ref=rss Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:07:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-conservatives-consider-supporting-tax-benefits-for-gay-couples-a-888016.html#ref=rss Chancellor Merkel's conservatives officially oppose giving same-sex civil unions the same status as heterosexual marriages -- despite polls that show the majority of their voters would support such a measure. Now some of her allies are toying with the idea of siding with the opposition on the issue. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:53:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-conservatives-consider-supporting-tax-benefits-for-gay-couples-a-888016.html Chancellor Merkel's conservatives officially oppose giving same-sex civil unions the same status as heterosexual marriages -- despite polls that show the majority of their voters would support such a measure. Now some of her allies are toying with the idea of siding with the opposition on the issue.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/life-remains-difficult-for-gays-and-lesbians-in-china-a-887674.html#ref=rss Xiao Bin is gay, but has been married to a woman for the last seven years. His fate is no different from that of up to 90 percent of gay men in China. The society is slowly changing, but pressures heaped on same-sex couples remain huge. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:35:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/life-remains-difficult-for-gays-and-lesbians-in-china-a-887674.html Xiao Bin is gay, but has been married to a woman for the last seven years. His fate is no different from that of up to 90 percent of gay men in China. The society is slowly changing, but pressures heaped on same-sex couples remain huge.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html#ref=rss Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-gay-marriage-debate-splits-conservatives-a-885425.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats are rapidly changing their approach on same-sex marriage rights and are considering extending marital tax benefits. But some German conservatives remain opposed. Commentators on Monday say the debate could hurt the party in fall elections. Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-gay-marriage-debate-splits-conservatives-a-885425.html Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats are rapidly changing their approach on same-sex marriage rights and are considering extending marital tax benefits. But some German conservatives remain opposed. Commentators on Monday say the debate could hurt the party in fall elections.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-court-ruling-boosting-adoption-rights-of-gays-a-884476.html#ref=rss Germany's top court on Tuesday ruled gay people should be allowed to adopt a child already adopted by their partner. The decision won't affect many people, but it's a signal that Berlin must do more to boost the legal rights of gay couples. Media commentators say it's high time that Chancellor Angela Merkel's government accepted the realities of modern society. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:46:20 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-court-ruling-boosting-adoption-rights-of-gays-a-884476.html Germany's top court on Tuesday ruled gay people should be allowed to adopt a child already adopted by their partner. The decision won't affect many people, but it's a signal that Berlin must do more to boost the legal rights of gay couples. Media commentators say it's high time that Chancellor Angela Merkel's government accepted the realities of modern society.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-high-court-more-decisive-than-government-on-gay-rights-a-884377.html#ref=rss Germany's Constitutional Court has further opened the door for gays and lesbians to adopt with a landmark ruling on Tuesday. Yet again the justice system has moved to bring the rights of civil unions closer to those of marriage. But the decision also underscores the deep division in Chancellor Merkel's party on gay rights. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-high-court-more-decisive-than-government-on-gay-rights-a-884377.html Germany's Constitutional Court has further opened the door for gays and lesbians to adopt with a landmark ruling on Tuesday. Yet again the justice system has moved to bring the rights of civil unions closer to those of marriage. But the decision also underscores the deep division in Chancellor Merkel's party on gay rights. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/documentary-explores-gay-and-lesbian-oppression-in-east-germany-a-883707.html#ref=rss East Germany decriminalized homosexuality early on, a move that was touted as an example of its progressivism. But a documentary that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this week shows the regime was still deeply homophobic. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:26:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/documentary-explores-gay-and-lesbian-oppression-in-east-germany-a-883707.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-criticizes-russian-legislation-against-gays-a-880311.html#ref=rss Moscow is currently seeking to make "homosexual propaganda" a prosecutable offense. But in Germany, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has warned Russia's ambassador that the new legislation could aggravate European-Russian relations. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:51:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-criticizes-russian-legislation-against-gays-a-880311.html Moscow is currently seeking to make "homosexual propaganda" a prosecutable offense. But in Germany, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has warned Russia's ambassador that the new legislation could aggravate European-Russian relations.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/mass-protest-held-in-france-to-fight-plans-for-gay-marriage-law-a-877394.html#ref=rss French President François Hollande wants to legalize gay marriage and adoption. Critics say it will threaten the country's traditions. More than 350,000 turned out to protest against the proposed new law on Sunday. Their main concern is it would cause problems for the children.  Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/mass-protest-held-in-france-to-fight-plans-for-gay-marriage-law-a-877394.html French President François Hollande wants to legalize gay marriage and adoption. Critics say it will threaten the country's traditions. More than 350,000 turned out to protest against the proposed new law on Sunday. Their main concern is it would cause problems for the children.  ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-high-court-set-to-rule-on-same-sex-adoption-a-873204.html#ref=rss Gays and lesbians have the right to adopt children in Germany -- but not as a couple. The country's highest court is set to review the issue on Tuesday, and its results will ultimately impact the question of legal equality for same-sex unions. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:10:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-high-court-set-to-rule-on-same-sex-adoption-a-873204.html Gays and lesbians have the right to adopt children in Germany -- but not as a couple. The country's highest court is set to review the issue on Tuesday, and its results will ultimately impact the question of legal equality for same-sex unions. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/spiegel-interview-with-gay-conservative-politician-jens-spahn-a-868660.html#ref=rss Jens Spahn is a conservative parliamentarian. He is also gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, the 32-year-old describes how this has informed his political career and assesses how far Germany has come on civil rights for gays and lesbians. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 15:26:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/spiegel-interview-with-gay-conservative-politician-jens-spahn-a-868660.html Jens Spahn is a conservative parliamentarian. He is also gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, the 32-year-old describes how this has informed his political career and assesses how far Germany has come on civil rights for gays and lesbians. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-first-openly-gay-boxer-orlando-cruz-a-866052.html#ref=rss Orlando Cruz is the world's first professional boxer to come out as gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, he describes the relief he has since felt and his hopes that it would make him a better boxer. He also shows some sympathy for his female admirers. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-first-openly-gay-boxer-orlando-cruz-a-866052.html Orlando Cruz is the world's first professional boxer to come out as gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, he describes the relief he has since felt and his hopes that it would make him a better boxer. He also shows some sympathy for his female admirers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/gay-footballers-in-german-bundesliga-remain-afraid-to-come-out-a-856599.html#ref=rss Germany's foreign minister is gay and so is the mayor of Berlin, but gay players in the Bundesliga top football league remain firmly in the closet. Last week one of them spoke out -- anonymously -- about the strain of denying his identity for fear of hurting his career. Chancellor Angela Merkel says athletes shouldn't be afraid to come out. But the obstacles are high. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:27:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/gay-footballers-in-german-bundesliga-remain-afraid-to-come-out-a-856599.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-politician-under-fire-for-homophobic-remarks-a-851722.html#ref=rss German policymakers have recently indicated a willingness to further broaden rights for gays and lesbians in civil unions. But the debate has become heated this week as a conservative politician and the country's largest newspaper have questioned the move. Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:42:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-politician-under-fire-for-homophobic-remarks-a-851722.html