German Minister Enters Civil Partnership

German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle and his partner, Michael Mronz, have entered into a civil partnership.

Bild reports that the minister from the Free Democratic Party and Mronz held a ceremony Friday in Bonn conducted by mayor Jurgen Nimptsch. Some 20 people, all close family and friends, attended the ceremony.

Civil partnerships in Germany provide most of the rights of marriage except joint adoption and tax benefits.