Germany one step closer to marriage equality for its LGBTIQ citizens.

On June 30, Germany's parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of same-sex marriage, joining over 20 countries in their support for equal rights for LGBTIQ citizens by approving gay marriage. The measure will likely be signed into law by the president sometime after July.

In the meantime, Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International (SDA Kinship) celebrates this important and affirming step for equality for the German LGBTIQ community.

"I am overjoyed at the news of Parliament voting to make marriage a reality for everyone in Germany,” shares Floyd Poenitz, who is of German heritage and Kinship's Director of International Growth and Development.

Even as we celebrate marriage equality in Germany, we recognize that there are tremendous issues facing the LGBTIQ community worldwide; but we pause today to share in the joy of this victory for human rights.

Tomorrow we continue the fight towards recognizing and honoring the dignity of LGBTIQ citizens across the world with equal rights and protections, starting with people of faith.

Founded in 1976, Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International, Inc. is a nonprofit support organization. With members in over 40 countries, Kinship ministers to the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical well-being of current and former Seventh-day Adventists who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals and their families and friends.