Greece

Greece Becomes First Orthodox Country to Legalise LGBTQ+ Marriage and Adoption

Published

10 months ago

February 16, 2024

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Greece has made history by becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to legalise LGBTQ and adoption, granting equal rights and obligations to LGBTQ+ couples and their children.

The new law passed by a cross-party majority in the parliament on Friday was hailed as a landmark achievement for European human rights and social justice.

The law allows LGBTQ couples to register their civil partnership, which gives them the same legal status as hetero couples, including the ability to adopt children, inherit property, and access social benefits.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Nicolas Koutsokostas/Shutterstock (14349822c) A participant holds a placard during the rally in support of the upcoming vote in parliament on the same-sex marriage bill. Protest in support of same-sex marriage bill in front of the Greek Parliament, Athens, Greece - 15 Feb 2024 — Opinion polls suggest most Greeks support the reform Picture Nicolas KoutsokostasShutterstock

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Nicolas Koutsokostas/Shutterstock (14349817f) A man holds an icon of Jesus Christ and a placard against the upcoming vote in parliament on the same-sex marriage bill. Protest against same-sex marriage bill in front of the Greek Parliament, Athens, Greece - 15 Feb 2024 — Counter protests were also held Picture Nicolas KoutsokostasShutterstock

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prepares to speak at the Greek parliament, ahead of a vote on a bill which legalises same-sex civil marriage, in Athens, Greece, February 15, 2024. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki — Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the bill makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better Picture REUTERS

The law also recognises the parental rights of LGBTQ+ people who already have children, either biologically or through surrogacy, and allows them to change their gender identity on official documents without medical intervention.

The law was supported by the ruling centre-left coalition, the main opposition party, and several smaller parties, while the conservative and far-right parties voted against it.

According to opinion polls and surveys, the law was also backed by most Greek people, which showed that more than 60% of the population supported legalising same-sex marriage and adoption.

The law was welcomed by LGBTQ+ activists, civil society organisations, and progressive politicians, who celebrated the end of years of discrimination and inequality for LGBTQ+ people in Greece.

They also praised the courage and leadership of the Greek government, which defied the strong opposition and resistance from the powerful Greek Orthodox Church, which denounced the law as a “sin against God” and a “threat to the family and society”.

The Church, which significantly influenced Greek society and politics, organised protests and rallies against the law, claiming it would undermine Greece’s traditional values and identity.

Some right-wing politicians and media outlets echoed the Church’s arguments and tried to block or delay the vote on the law.

However, the Greek government argued that the law was a matter of human dignity, equality, and democracy and would not affect anyone else’s rights or freedoms.

The government also said the law aligned with the European Convention on Human Rights, which obliges member states to respect the family.