Greek lawmakers unanimously on Thursday (15/2) adopted a bill (RUU) legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption. This was seen as an important victory for LGBTQ rights, as the bill was promoted by the conservative government despite opposition from the country's ruling Orthodox Church.
This law would give same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt. However, the bill does not provide surrogacy rights for gay couples, so many members of the LGBTQ community say the law is not perfect enough.
Greece is now the first Orthodox Christian country, the 16th member of the European Union and the 37th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: “This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today's Greece – a progressive and democratic country, deeply committed to European values.”
In a speech to lawmakers before the vote, Mitsotakis, from the New Democratic Party – which drafted the law – said, “for every citizen of a democratic country, today is a day of joy.”
The bill passed the 300-seat parliament with a vote of 176-76, with two abstentions. Forty-six members were absent.
New Democratic Party lawmaker Maria Syrengela said, “let us reflect on what these people, who have spent years in the shadows, entangled in bureaucratic procedures, have gone through.”
Greek Orthodox Church Opposes Bill
However, this bill is strongly opposed by the Greek Orthodox Church, which believes that passing this law will have an impact on traditional family values and its passage will lead to the rights of surrogacy for gay couples.
Supporters of same-sex marriage march in Syntagma Square in Athens, Thursday, February 15, 2024. (Photo: Michael Varaklas/AP Photo)
The head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos II, said the vote should be held so constituents could see how lawmakers voted.
According to the far-right Elliniki Lysi party, the bill is “anti-Christian” and will harm Greece's national interests.
Most Greeks Support Reform
Despite opposition, polls show that most Greeks support the reforms. However, most Greeks also oppose extending parenthood through surrogacy to male partners.
Reforms for gay rights have been slow in this socially conservative country, but progress has been made in recent years. In 2015, civil partnerships became legal in Greece, and gender identity was legally recognized in 2017. As of 2022, gender conversion therapy for minors is prohibited.
The move to legalize gay marriage has been welcomed by human rights advocates.
Speaking to The New York Times, Maria Gavouneli, president of Greece's National Commission on Human Rights, called the decision “long overdue.”
Stella Belia, founder of Rainbow Families, which supports same-sex families, said it was “a huge victory that we have been fighting for for years.” (em/rs)