Germany Might Finally Legalize Same-Sex Marriage This Week

Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, has called for a "vote for conscience" this week to decide on the legalization of gay marriage, after being pushed on the matter by a gay man during an interview for Brigittemagazine.

The move represents a stark shift in position from how Merkel, a member of the Christian Democratic Union, has formerly treated the matter: opposing gay marriage in order to keep with "traditional family values" and to protect Germany's kids.

Gay couples can get civil unions in Germany, but still don't have equal adoption rights as their straight counterparts or, obviously, the right to get married.

"If the state gives a homosexual couple children to take care of, I can no longer argue this issue simply on the question of child welfare," she told Brigitte. "These are issues that greatly concern me."

Martin Schulz, leader of Germany's Social Democratic Party, tweeted this after hearing the news:

In English, this translates to, "We will push through marriage equality. This week." If all goes according to plan, a vote legalizing gay marriage could happen this Friday.