Greece is contemplating the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption for gay couples, signaling a potential shift towards a more liberal stance. Stefanos Kasselakis, the newly elected openly gay leader of the main opposition party SYRIZA, has promised to push for marriage equality if he secures victory in the next general election, scheduled for no earlier than 2027.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had previously announced the government’s intention to introduce marriage equality. In July, Mitsotakis stated, “Same-sex marriage will happen at some point and it’s part of our strategy,” highlighting the evolving attitudes within Greek society. Although the core of the bill for same-sex marriage is reportedly prepared, it has not been officially presented due to concerns voiced by the Greek Orthodox Church and right-wing factions within the ruling party.
Alexis Patelis, an advisor to Mitsotakis, acknowledged the legislative gap in Greece and emphasized the need for marriage equality. He noted that discussions about Kasselakis largely avoided his sexual orientation and pointed out that the opposition leader had married abroad in a relationship not recognized by Greek law. Patelis expressed the Prime Minister’s commitment to marriage equality and its introduction to Parliament during this government’s term.
In addition to marriage equality, the adoption of children by same-sex couples remains a significant issue. Advocates argue that existing legal frameworks fail to protect the rights of children in such families, particularly concerning inheritance, custody, and support in cases of divorce or a biological parent’s death. The government believes that resolving these issues and introducing same-sex marriage legislation should be concurrent efforts to ensure comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples and their families.
While Greece has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, analysts consider adoption rights to be a challenging issue. The country has improved its standing in the ILGAEurope Rainbow Europe ranking, currently ranking 11th out of 51 European countries. These developments signify Greece’s growing commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and fostering a more inclusive society.
