Germany Gives Green Light to Gay Marriages

KARLSRUHE, Germany (Reuters) - Germany's top court cleared the way on Wednesday for the introduction of same-sex marriages when it dismissed efforts by two conservative regional states to block a new law.

Starting next month, lesbian and gay couples in Germany will be able to wed in registry offices and share a common surname.

The constitutional court in Karlsruhe dismissed appeals by the states of Bavaria and Saxony to block the law, court officials said.

The two states said the law, which has already passed through parliament, was an attack on traditional family values.

Under it, homosexual couples will be entitled to the same inheritance rights as heterosexual couples and foreign partners of German gays and lesbians will be allowed to join them in Germany.

The law was backed by the ruling Social Democrats and their junior coalition partners the Greens and represents a milestone for Germany's gay community.

``The registration of same sex partnerships does not damage the family or marriage. The protection of marriage and family life should not mean discriminating against homosexuals,'' the Greens said in a statement.

But Bavaria's conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), sister party of the opposition Christian Democrats, blasted the court ruling as a ``black day for families.''

The law will come into force although the constitutional court still has to give a final decision on whether the law contravenes the German constitution. A decision is expected next year.