Same-sex Partnerships
Discrimination of homosexuals is forbidden in Germany. But while it may be forbidden, homosexuality is not always generally accepted. Many famous personalities are homosexual and do not hide their sexual preferences. "Ich bin schwul und das ist auch gut so" ("I’m gay and that’s a good thing too") was a famous quote by Berlin’s Mayor Klaus Wowereit in the run up to the election. Homosexual or "same-sex partnerships" are almost equal to those of heterosexual marriages. A special law on the equality of homosexual partnerships ("Gesetz zur Gleichbehandlung homosexueller Partnerschaften") has been passed to define this. Equality also means, for example, that foreign partners of homosexuals in Germany can be granted a residence permit for the purposes of joining and living in civil union.
Information can be found at the "Standesamt" in the local town hall or at advice centres and gay and lesbian interest groups, which can be found in most larger towns and cities.
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