Die Vielfalt der Lebensgemeinschaften

The author pleads for an equal and differentiated treatment of marriage (between woman and man) and same-sex-unions (between gay people) in civillaw. In theological perspective it is necessary to regard same-sex-unions as well as marriages under the aspects oflife-long commitment and responsibility- both may be and should be »Iove in earnest« (»Liebe im Ernstfall«- K. Barth) F or the decisive moment in every kind oflife-long partnership in the destination that »your body isatemple ofthe Holy Spirit« (1 Kor 6,19). - From this central point of view biblical damnations of homosexual behaviour must be criticised. - As further consequences the articel discusses the legal introduction of the possibility of »registered partnership« for gay people and following options in liturgy and law of the church.