In Germany, a clear majority of MPs have voted to legalise same-sex marriage, days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote. The reform grants couples now limited to civil unions full marital rights and allows them to adopt children. <br/><br/>Mrs Merkel's political opponents were strongly in favour of the law. But the Chancellor, who signalled her backing for a free vote only on Monday, voted against. The bill was backed by 393 lawmakers, 226 voted against and four abstained.<br/><br/>