Greece has become the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage despite opposition from the church and some politicians.
The Greek parliament passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, in a landmark victory for human rights in Greece and making it the first majority Orthodox Christian country to establish marriage equality for all on Thursday Feb 15.
“This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today’s Greece – a progressive, and democratic country, passionately committed to European values,” Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote on an X post
This decision has however divided the country causing a fierce resistance led by the powerful Orthodox Church with Its supporters holding a protest rally in Athens.
The head of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Leronymos, said the measure would corrupt the homeland’s social cohesion.
The bill needed a simple majority to pass through the 300-member parliament.
Mr Mitsotakis who championed the bill required the support of opposition parties to get it over the line, with dozens of MPs from his Centre-right governing party opposed.
“People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place,” the prime minister told parliament during a debate ahead of the vote. The reform makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better, without taking away anything from the lives of the many.”
The vote has been welcomed by LGBTQ organizations in Greece.
Parental and children’s rights are a cornerstone of the legislation, which will allow same-sex couples to adopt and receive full parental recognition.
“This is a historic moment and a day of joy” Stella Belia, the head of same-sex parents’ group Rainbow Families said.
Fifteen of the 27 members of the European Union’s have already legalized same-sex marriage. The practice has been permitted in 35 countries worldwide.
Good news from Greece 🎉
The Greek authorities must now take steps to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the new legislation and also introduce further legislative changes to guarantee full equality for LGBTQI+ people and families. pic.twitter.com/t9dvoG9gEb
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) February 16, 2024