What a week for Germany's LGBT community — it's been a whirlwind, but definitely worth celebrating.
First, the country's justice minister announced that 50,000 people prosecuted under an old anti-gay law would have their convictions overturned.
Then, just a few days later, the country's parliament finally legalized same-sex marriage.
And it wasn't even close — the measure passed by more than 150 votes. No wonder they broke out the confetti.
It seems odd because we often think of Germany as being a forward-thinking, progressive nation.
And yet they were slow to adopt marriage equality. The likes of Ireland, Spain, and France all beat them to it, even though an incredible 83% of Germans favor marriage equality.
So what was the hold-up? Why is Germany just the 23rd nation to approve same-sex marriage? Angela Merkel.
Germany's long-time leader stood in the way for years. The daughter of a Protestant pastor, she wouldn't allow a free vote on it.
That all changed earlier in the week when a fateful interview was published, opening the door to this historic vote.
Although the German people overwhelmingly support same-sex marriage, just one couple swayed Angela's views. And Germany's parliament sure didn't waste any time!
In the interview, Angela described a "life-changing" dinner with a lesbian couple raising eight foster children.
She also said that she'd be willing to finally allow a vote on same-sex marriage, and parliament went to work.
It probably didn't hurt that she's up for re-election soon. Those pesky elections have a way of focusing a politician's mind.
If nothing else, it's an issue she won't have to deal with on the campaign trail.
So it's no surprise that jubilant Germans took to the streets in celebration after the vote.
It was a drizzly, gray day, so they brought the rainbows. Look at all those smiling faces!
Social media reveled in the historic vote too, with hashtags overtaking Twitter and Instagram.
The hashtag #EheFuerAlle (MarriageForAll) was particularly busy, as was pretty much anything pride-related.
It just goes to show that a willing, unified government can actually get things done.
And this Twitter user knows who she hopes was paying attention!
