SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 29, 2013
While French President François Hollande deals with dismal jobless figures and turmoil surrounding the recent legalization of gay marriage, his upbeat predecessor goes on the thinly veiled offensive in Montreal. "When I look at those who succeeded me," Nicolas Sarkozy says, "I feel very good." more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 24, 2013
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. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 10, 2013
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. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 25, 2013
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. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 11, 2013
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. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 05, 2013
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. By Charles Hawley more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 25, 2013
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. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 19, 2013
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. By Philipp Wittrock more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 19, 2013
A ruling by Germany's highest court bolsters gay and lesbian couples' adoption rights, with judges describing existing legislation as "unconstitutional." The decision marks a further step taken in Germany towards granting same-sex couples equal rights. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 14, 2013
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. By Stefan Simons in Paris more... [ Forum ]
