Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Same-sex couples will now also be legally allowed to adopt children after Thursday’s 176-76 vote in parliament.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law would boldly abolish serious inequality.

But it has divided the country, with fierce resistance led by the powerful Orthodox Church. Its supporters held a protest rally in Athens.

Many displayed banners, held crosses, read prayers, and sang passages from the bible in the capital’s syntagmatic square.

Fifteen of the European Union’s 27 members have already legalized same-sex marriage.

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Syriza has criticized that the legislation still bans same-sex couples from becoming parents through surrogacy – something Kasselakis has said wants to pursue with his partner.

Mitsotakis posted on X after the vote that Greece was proud to become the 16th country in the European Union to legislate marriage equality.

This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today’s Greece – a progressive, and democratic country, passionately committed to European values, he said.

Greece had until now lagged behind some of its European neighbors in the 27-member bloc, due to opposition from a portion of the socially conservative nation, especially from the Orthodox Church.

It has now become the first country in southeastern Europe to have passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage.

It’s a significant day for many families that from now on are visible, said Vassilis Iosif, a 52-year-old artist.

It’s a tremendous decision from a government no one expected but they delivered. It’s a small step, but still a step. It’s a step for equality, justice, and love.