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Life in Germany > Homosexuality in Germany

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Germany is one of the most open and tolerant countries in the world. This also applies to sexuality in general and homosexuality. In the past, the moral concept in Germany was often characterized by religion and the church. Nowadays this is no longer the case. In Germany everyone is allowed to live out their sexual preferences as long as no one is bothered by them.

Homosexuality, the love to someone of the same gender, is permitted in Germany and socially legitimate. Men who love men and women who love women are fully accepted and felt as being normal by most society. The so-called "Anti-Discrimination Act" has been established in Germany since 2000 preventing people from having to face any disadvantages because of their sexual preferences or choice of partner. It is therefore now quite normal in Germany to see couples holding hands or kissing someone of the same gender.

Sexual equality is established and legally anchored in Germany. There are no laws prohibiting homosexuality among men or women. Coupling and living together of two men or two women is accepted in Germany. It is also possible to live in a so called "registered life partnership" as a couple of the same gender and to even marry officially. Marriage is officially possible for same-sex partners since October 2017.

By law there is no difference between normal and homosexual couples in Germany. This means that any kind of life partnerships or married couples have the same rights and obligations. For example couples of the same gender can apply to adopt a child or acts as foster parents.

There are many religions that reject homosexuality. Dealing with it in Germany has become much more tolerant and open. Within the Catholic and Protestant churches there are now contact points and organizations for homosexuals. Homosexual Muslims are also accepted in Germany.

Even if in Germany formally and before the law homosexuals and same-sex couples can not have any disadvantages, many people in Germany are still very difficult with this concept.

Although homosexuals are considers normal and well accepted in Germany, there are still some parts within the German society having problems with their acceptance. Therefore, there are many associations working to eliminate such disadvantages and the prejudices against homosexuals. The creation of meeting places or even public demonstrations are just two of many examples. The most famous demonstration of this kind is the Christopher Street Day (= CSD). The CSD, also named pride-parade, takes place annually starting in May in many German cities and regions, the largest events in the cities of Cologne and Berlin.

Regardless of work for equality and against discrimination, there are also many other organizations for homosexuals in Germany which organize common recreation or other everyday things for gays and lesbians. From sports clubs to cultural offers and special scene-pubs the offer is very wide in most German cities.