A gay couple is seeking the recognition
of their Canadian marriage in Germany, the AP reported.
Andreas Boettcher is fighting to have
his 2006 Canadian marriage to a Spanish man recognized by the
government. Both Canada and Spain offer gay marriage.
On Tuesday, Boettcher took his case to
a Berlin administrative court after local authorities refused to
recognize his Canadian marriage certificate.
While gay marriage is most plentiful
Europe, many countries – Germany, England and France included –
have opted to recognize gay couples with alternative unions, such as
registered partnerships in Germany. The union gives gay and lesbian
couples most of the rights and obligations of marriage, except joint
adoption and full tax benefits.
German leaders have considered
legalizing gay marriage. In March, the government of the city of
Berlin introduced a gay marriage bill.
According to a 2006 Angus-Reid Global
Monitor poll, a majority of Germans (52%) support the legalization of
gay marriage.
The 37-year-old Boettcher said he is
prepared to take the case as far as needed to have his marriage
recognized by the government.