Greece Makes History as First Orthodox Christian Nation to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

In a historic move, Greek lawmakers have passed legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The bill, which received 176 votes to 76, faced opposition from the powerful Orthodox Church but was championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as a milestone for human rights and European values.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have long awaited this moment, watched from the galleries above as the legislation was debated and ultimately passed. Stella Belia, a prominent gay activist, expressed joy at the long-awaited change, emphasizing the historic significance of the legislation.

The vote followed intense debate and public scrutiny, with supporters hailing the reform as bold and overdue, while opponents, including the Orthodox Church, condemned it as antisocial and unchristian. Despite pushback from within Mitsotakis’ party, the prime minister remained steadfast in his support for the bill, arguing that it would address inequality and bring Greece in line with other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage.

While the legislation represents a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, it also faced criticism for not going far enough. Some opposition parties, including Syriza, expressed disappointment that the bill did not include provisions for surrogacy, leaving many in the LGBTQ+ community feeling marginalized.

Despite these limitations, the passage of the bill represents a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Greece. Advocates hope that the legislation will pave the way for further progress and greater acceptance within Greek society.

Key Points of this news

1. Greek lawmakers passed landmark legislation legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, with 176 votes to 76, despite opposition from the Orthodox Church.
2. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the move as a milestone for human rights and European values, positioning Greece as the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage and the 16th EU member to do so.
3. In 2001 Netherlands became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage.
4. LGBTQ+ activists, including Stella Belia, celebrated the legislation as a historic moment after years of waiting for progress.
5. The legislation followed intense debate and public scrutiny, with supporters praising it as bold and long overdue, while opponents, including the Orthodox Church, criticized it as antisocial and unchristian.
6. Prime Minister Mitsotakis championed the bill despite pushback from within his own party, emphasizing its importance in addressing inequality and aligning Greece with other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage.
7. While the legislation represents a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, it faced criticism for not including provisions for surrogacy, leaving some members of the LGBTQ+ community feeling marginalized.
8. Despite its limitations, the passage of the bill signifies progress for LGBTQ+ rights in Greece, with advocates hopeful that it will lead to greater acceptance and further advancements in the future.