NEWS
Greece Becomes First Orthodox Christian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Civil Marriage
In a historic move, Greece has become the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, marking a significant shift despite opposition from the influential Greek Church.
March 1, 2024
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By William Cameron
The landmark bill, championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' center-right government, saw a cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament voting in favor late Thursday. Mitsotakis celebrated the momentous occasion on Twitter, declaring Greece as the 16th European Union country to legislate marriage equality and emphasizing the nation's commitment to progressive values.
Supporters of the reform, gathered outside parliament, erupted into cheers and embraces as the vote tally was announced, reflecting the culmination of a long-awaited journey for LGBTQ+ rights in Greece. Although not without dissent, opinion polls indicate a narrow margin of support for the reform among Greeks, with broader concerns such as the high cost of living dominating public discourse.
The bill, supported by four left-wing parties including the main opposition Syriza, is seen as a starting point by proponents like Spiros Bibilas, an openly gay lawmaker, who views it as a step towards addressing longstanding inequalities.
However, the legislation has faced criticism from both within and outside parliament. While it confers full parental rights on married same-sex partners with children, it excludes gay couples from parenthood through surrogate mothers within Greece. This limitation, along with the absence of provisions for transgender individuals, has drawn ire from LGBTQ+ rights advocates.
Psychologist Nancy Papathanasiou underscores the importance of legal equality in mitigating discrimination and promoting mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite shortcomings, Maria Syrengela, a lawmaker from the ruling New Democracy party, hails the reform as rectifying a historical injustice.
Opposition to the bill has been fierce, primarily from the traditionalist Church of Greece, which also opposes heterosexual civil marriage. Church officials argue against the legislation's perceived threat to traditional family values and fear potential future extensions of surrogacy rights to gay couples.
While political repercussions are not expected to severely impact Mitsotakis' government, which recently secured re-election, the passage of the same-sex marriage law signifies a significant cultural and legal milestone for Greece amidst ongoing societal and economic challenges.
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