ATHENS (Reuters) – A calendar reminder appeared on Danai Deligeorges’ phone on Thursday evening, prompting her to smile at her partner Alexia Beziki. The message read “Wedding”, signaling the momentous occasion ahead. Deligeorges and Beziki were preparing to become one of the first lesbian couples in Greece to exchange vows, following the passage of a landmark bill allowing same-sex marriage in the country.
This historic vote, which also grants LGBT couples the right to adopt children, marks the culmination of decades of advocacy by the LGBT community for marriage equality in Greece, a socially conservative nation heavily influenced by the Orthodox Church. Deligeorges expressed her feelings before the ceremony, stating, “Now we’re able to confirm with a statement that: You know what? You weren’t doing all these things for nothing. So, love wins.”
The wedding ceremony took place in central Athens, officiated by Mayor Haris Doukas and attended by numerous friends and family members. Applause filled the room as the couple exchanged vows and embraced, bringing Deligeorges to tears. “Congratulations to this country,” declared the newlyweds.
Deligeorges had proposed to Beziki in 2022 when same-sex marriage was still illegal. Despite Beziki giving birth last month, Deligeorges was not legally recognized as a guardian until the recent parliamentary vote on Feb. 15, which transformed their legal status.
“It was a victory for all individuals who believe in recognizing people for their choices,” remarked Beziki, a 43-year-old actress, on the significance of the legislation.
The new law has faced opposition from the Orthodox Church, which views homosexuality as sinful. The first gay wedding in Athens took place under police surveillance due to threats received by the couple. Some members of the LGBT community feel the law is insufficient as it does not permit assisted reproduction methods or surrogate pregnancies for LGBT individuals.
Despite these limitations, Mayor Doukas emphasized the progress that has been achieved, affirming, “It is our duty to ensure that all citizens of Athens have the freedom and the right to live and love as they wish.”
Deligeorges and Beziki expressed their overwhelming joy at finally being recognized and accepted. Deligeorges compared her elation to Greece’s unexpected triumph at the European football championship in 2004, declaring, “We are finally seen.”
(Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Edward McAllister and Hugh Lawson)
