Athens, Greece – Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The historic move, solidified by a 176-76 vote in parliament, also grants same-sex couples the legal right to adopt children.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a key advocate for the bill, celebrated the legislative change, emphasizing its role in eliminating a “serious inequality.” However, the decision has sparked division within the nation, particularly with staunch opposition from the influential Orthodox Church. Protest rallies led by church supporters took place in Athens, displaying banners, crosses, and invoking religious passages.
Archbishop Ieronymos, the head of the Orthodox Church, expressed concerns about the measure, stating that it would “corrupt the homeland’s social cohesion.” The bill required a simple majority to pass through the 300-member parliament, with Mitsotakis securing support from opposition parties, as several MPs from his own governing party opposed the legislation.
During a parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Mitsotakis highlighted the positive impact of the reform, stating, “People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place.”
The vote signals a significant shift in Greece’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, which has been influenced by historical resistance, especially from religious institutions. The move aligns Greece with other European nations that have embraced marriage equality. Fifteen out of the European Union’s 27 members have already legalized same-sex marriage.
The decision has been met with jubilation by LGBTQ+ organizations in Greece. Stella Belia, the head of the same-sex parents’ group Rainbow Families, described the moment as “historic” and a “day of joy.”
Greece’s move towards marriage equality places it ahead of other countries in southeastern Europe and reflects changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in the region. While the decision has sparked debates and protests, it stands as a testament to the ongoing global progress towards recognizing and affirming the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
