Greece made history by legalizing same-sex civil marriage, becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to do so, despite opposition from the Greek Church. A cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill drafted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, while 76 rejected it, two abstained, and 46 were absent. Mitsotakis hailed the decision on Twitter, stating Greece is proud to join the 16 EU countries that have legislated marriage equality. Supporters celebrated outside parliament, while opponents, including some holding religious symbols, protested nearby.
Opinion polls suggest narrow support for the reform, which has not caused significant divisions in the country preoccupied with economic concerns. The bill received backing from four left-wing parties, including the main opposition Syriza. Lawmaker Spiros Bibilas, openly gay, called it a beginning despite some lawmakers abstaining or voting against it. Three small far-right parties and the Communist Party rejected the law from the start. Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of visibility and equal rights for same-sex couples and their children.
The bill grants full parental rights to married same-sex partners but does not allow parenthood through surrogate mothers in Greece, a point of contention among LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Psychologist Nancy Papathanasiou noted the importance of reducing discrimination for LGBTQI mental health. Maria Syrengela, a New Democracy lawmaker, emphasized the end of bureaucratic hurdles for same-sex couples and their children. Dissidents within the governing party, including former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, opposed the bill, arguing against extending parenthood to same-sex couples.
Polls indicate Greek support for same-sex marriage but opposition to extending parenthood through surrogacy to male couples. Same-sex civil partnerships were permitted since 2015 but did not grant full legal rights to non-biological parents. The Church of Greece, along with conservative organizations, opposed the bill, citing concerns about traditional family values and potential future extensions of surrogacy rights. Far-right lawmaker Vassilis Stigas condemned the legislation, while politically, its passage is not expected to harm Mitsotakis’ government.
Challenges to the government include ongoing farmer protests and student opposition to education reforms, but parliament is likely to approve the university bill later this month. Overall, the legalization of same-sex marriage marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Greece, despite resistance from conservative and religious groups.
