Gay Marriage for Germany, France?

While the bulk of English language reporting on gay marriage has focussed on three English - speaking countries, the state level battles in the US, the promise of equality for the UK, and on the political push in Australia, there is also important movement in several European countries. Denmark and Finland have expressed their intention to introduce enabling legislation (in 2012 and 2013 respectively), and Luxembourg has already introduced legislation - it is just not clear when the process will be concluded.

Now, there are encouraging reports of progress in the European Union's two major countries, Germany and France:

Gay Politicians: French government minister Frédéric Mitterrand

b. 21 August 1947

In a cabinet reshuffle, President Sarkozy has appointed another openly gay man to the cabinet. ( The "Independent" says he is the first out French Minister, but that is incorrect. That was Roger Karoutchi, who disclosed in January that he is gay and happily partnered.)

From the Independent:

The film-maker, writer and TV presenter Frédéric Mitterrand, 61, nephew of the late President François Mitterrand, will become culture minister, a very high-profile job in France. This appointment, welcomed by many in the artistic world, will irritate the Catholic, conservative right. M. Mitterrand is a vociferous campaigner for homosexual rights and a columnist in the gay magazine, Tétu. 

(Biography at Wikipedia)