Landmark Decision
Greece, the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, passed a historic bill with a cross-party majority of 176 out of 300 lawmakers supporting the reform. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government introduced the legislation, marking a significant step towards marriage equality.
Human Rights Milestone
Mitsotakis expressed pride in Greece becoming the 16th EU country to legalize same-sex marriage, emphasizing the country’s commitment to progressive values and human rights. The bill received backing from left-wing parties, reflecting a societal shift towards equality.
Impact on Families
The new law grants full parental rights to married same-sex partners with children, addressing long-standing injustices faced by same-sex couples and their families. However, the legislation excludes gay couples from parenthood through surrogate mothers, a contentious issue in Greek society.
Challenges and Opposition
Despite the positive outcome, dissent emerged from various quarters, including some majority and left-wing lawmakers, along with opposition from far-right parties and the Orthodox Church. The Church of Greece, a traditionalist institution, criticized the bill, raising concerns about its impact on family values.
Broader Political Landscape
While the same-sex marriage law is not expected to significantly impact Mitsotakis’ government, which faces other challenges like protests from farmers and students, the legislation represents a significant societal shift towards inclusivity and diversity in Greece.