Following a historic parliamentary vote, Greek LGBT+ couples are gearing up to get married after the legalization of same-sex civil marriage, marking the end of a long battle for equal rights. The Greek parliament approved a bill that not only allows same-sex couples to marry but also grants them the right to adopt children, making Greece one of the first Orthodox Christian countries to do so.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the decision as a “milestone for human rights” and a reflection of Greece as a progressive, democratic country committed to European values. The bill was supported by dozens of people in the streets of Athens, but it faced opposition from the Orthodox Church and right-wing politicians.
While the law will take a few days to become official, many couples who have been waiting for years are taking the necessary steps to get married. A gay couple in Athens announced their wedding plans in a newspaper, a requirement under Greek law, and have already contacted the municipality for the necessary documents.
The international response to the vote was largely positive, with 28 embassies in Greece releasing a joint statement celebrating the historic moment. However, at home, the decision has divided the country, with the Church and the right being vocal opponents of the reform.
Greece has historically lagged behind other EU countries in terms of LGBT+ rights, but it has made significant progress in recent years. In 2015, civil partnership among same-sex couples was allowed, and in 2017, legal recognition was given to gender identity. Additionally, two years ago, conversion therapy for minors aimed at suppressing sexual orientation was banned.
Despite the domestic opposition, there are many in Greece who support the legalization of same-sex marriage. One resident, Thimios Tsakonitis, expressed his approval, stating, “Since they wanted to be legal and get married, they did well and the bill was passed. Let them be equal.”
(Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Angeliki Koutantou; Additional reporting Stamos Prousalis; editing by Edward McAllister, William Maclean)
