In a snap vote on Friday, 393 German MPs voted for the motion, while 226, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, voted against it.

AFP news agency reported that the German legal code will now read: "Marriage is entered into for life by two people of different or the same sex."

Though she voted against the motion, Merkel hoped that the new law will mean 'more peace for Germany'.

Image: Ludovic Bertron/Wikipedia