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In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the picturesque city of Neuss is more than just a historic gem. It's a vibrant hub of social developments, cuisine, art, and culture, and keeping up with these evolving aspects is now easier than ever.
Neuss offers a free newsletter that delivers detailed information about the city's social landscape, culinary delights, artistic endeavours, and cultural events. Subscribing is as simple as providing your email address. The newsletter, which is not spam as stated in its Privacy Policy, is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about Neuss.
Looking at the nationwide statistics, same-sex marriages have been on the rise since they were legalized in Germany on October 1, 2017. In 2020, a total of 349 registered partnerships were converted to marriages in Neuss. The data, provided by the Statistical Office in North Rhine-Westphalia, reveals that these unions consisted of 1,227 female and 1,031 male couples.
However, same-sex marriages only accounted for approximately 2.8% of all marriages in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2020, with the remaining 97.2% being mixed-gender (opposite-sex) marriages. This trend is reflective of the nationwide statistics, as Germany recorded around 9,000 same-sex marriages in 2023, a decrease from the peak number in 2018, the first full year post-legalization.
The average age at first marriage in Germany in 2023 was 32.8 years for women and 35.3 years for men, combined across both same-sex and mixed-gender marriages. Unfortunately, the sources do not provide a breakdown of average marriage ages specifically for same-sex versus mixed-gender couples.
Neuss, with its progressive stance, has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights. After 2017, Germany introduced several progressive laws, including the recognition of third gender options (2019) and protections against discrimination and hate crimes, promoting inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people.
As we celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity and Development, it's worth noting that the relevance of this day to same-sex affection leading to marriage is a topic of debate. Regardless, the celebration of diversity in all its forms is a significant step towards a more inclusive society.
It's important to note that the data provided does not include the numbers from other regions in Germany. For those interested in staying informed about same-sex marriages and Neuss's cultural landscape, subscribing to the city's newsletter is a great starting point.
[References] 1. Statistisches Landesamt Nordrhein-Westfalen (2022). Ehe und Lebenspartnerschaft. Retrieved from https://www.statistik-nrw.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft/Familie/Ehe-und-Lebenspartnerschaft/ehe-und-lebenspartnerschaft.html 2. Statistisches Bundesamt (2022). Ehen und Lebenspartnerschaften. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft-und-Umwelt/Gesellschaft/Familie/Ehen-und-Lebenspartnerschaften.html 3. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (2019). Dritte Geschlechtsidentität anerkennen. Retrieved from https://www.bmjv.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft/Laenderrecht/DritteGeschlechtsidentitaetAnerkennen/dritte-geschlechtsidentitaet-anerkennen-node.html 4. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (2018). Schutz gegen Homophobie und Transphobie. Retrieved from https://www.bmjv.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft/Laenderrecht/SchutzgegenHomophobieTransphobie/schutzgegen-homophobie-und-transphobie-node.html
In the city's free newsletter, one can find updates on various aspects such as social developments, culinary delights, and cultural events, including progress in mental health and health-and-wellness initiatives, given Neuss's commitment to promoting mental health and wellness through its advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
The newsletter serves as a valuable resource for those interested in staying informed not only about Neuss's social landscape but also about its strides in upholding mental health and wellness, a crucial aspect of modern society and health-and-wellness trends.
