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Greece legalizes same-sex marriage, a first for Orthodox Christianity


A protester holding a Holy Icon takes⁤ part in‍ a rally against same-sex marriage, at central ⁣Syntagma Square, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, Feb. 15, ‌2024. Greece’s parliament is to vote Thursday to legalize same-sex civil marriage in a first for an Orthodox Christian ⁤country‌ and⁣ despite‍ opposition from the influential Greek Church. ⁤(AP Photo/Michael​ Varaklas)

OAN’s James Meyers
3:31 PM – Thursday, February 15, 2024

Greece Legalizes Gay Marriage, Making History

Greece has‍ officially become the first Orthodox⁣ Christian country to legalize gay marriage, marking a monumental decision. This historic ⁤move comes despite opposition from ​the influential Greek Church.

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A cross-party majority⁤ of 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat Parliament voted⁢ on Thursday in favor of the bill. 76 rejected the reform, ⁣while two others did ⁤not vote. 46⁤ were not present for the vote.

The law was drafted by Greek ‌Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government ​and also had support from four left-leaning parties. With⁢ the passing‌ of​ the law, Greece becomes the 16th country within⁢ the European Union⁢ and the 35th worldwide to legalize⁢ same-sex​ marriage.

“People who⁤ have been invisible will finally be made visible around us.⁢ And with them, many children will finally find their rightful place,” Mitsotakis told lawmakers ahead of the evening vote.

The European country‌ has‌ allowed civil ‍unions for same-sex couples​ since 2015, but⁤ the law did⁣ not permit same-sex parents to both ​claim legal guardianship over their children.

However, the new ⁣law would still prohibit same-sex couples⁤ from having children through surrogate mothers in Greece, which is ⁣an option available to single ‌women and heterosexual ⁣couples that require surrogates due⁢ to‌ health‍ reasons.

The law ​has been met with criticism from the Greek ⁣Orthodox Church, which reiterated that homosexuality ​is a sin. ‍The church even held protests earlier this ​week⁢ against the Parliamentary vote.

In‍ 2022, Greek lawmakers banned sex-change surgeries ⁣nationwide.

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How did the cross-party support for the ‌bill reflect the changing attitudes​ and ⁣acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights‌ within Greek society?

On⁤ February ⁣15, 2024, Greece made‌ history by becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize gay marriage. This monumental decision ⁢was met with opposition from the⁤ influential Greek Church, making it even more significant.

The⁤ bill ​received ​support ‌from a cross-party​ majority of 176 ⁢lawmakers in the 300-seat Parliament,‌ while 76 lawmakers rejected the reform and ‍two others abstained ⁣from voting. This shows that there ⁢was a strong support for legalizing​ gay marriage in Greece.

The law​ was ‌drafted by ‍Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government and was also supported by four left-leaning parties.‍ This cross-party support reflects the​ changing attitudes and growing⁤ acceptance of⁢ LGBTQ+ rights in⁣ Greek society.

With the passing of ‍this law, Greece joins the ranks of 16⁤ other European Union‍ countries​ and ⁣35 countries worldwide that have legalized same-sex​ marriage. ‍This highlights the progress that has been ​made⁢ globally towards recognizing and ⁤ensuring equal ‌rights for ⁣LGBTQ+ individuals.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis, speaking to ​lawmakers before the ​vote, emphasized the importance‍ of this law in making formerly ⁢invisible people visible and giving children of⁣ same-sex ​parents a rightful place in society. This ⁤statement ‍demonstrates the ​positive impact this decision​ will have on countless individuals‍ and families ⁣in Greece.

It is worth noting that ‌while⁢ Greece had allowed civil unions for same-sex couples since 2015,⁢ the previous law did not‌ permit ​same-sex parents to⁢ both⁢ claim legal guardianship over their⁤ children.⁤ The new law addresses this​ inequality and grants‍ equal rights to same-sex parents.

However, it ‌is important to mention⁣ that the new law still prohibits same-sex‌ couples⁤ from having‍ children through ​surrogate mothers in ⁢Greece. This is an option that ⁤is⁢ available to single women and heterosexual ⁤couples who⁢ require surrogates due ‍to health reasons. Although this is ‍a limitation, it should not overshadow the significant progress made ⁤with‍ the legalization of gay ⁤marriage.

Greece’s decision to legalize gay ​marriage ​is‌ a step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It showcases the changing attitudes and increasing acceptance ‌towards diversity and equality in⁢ the ⁢country.‍ This landmark decision will have a profound and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals ‌and families⁢ in Greece and sets an example for other Orthodox⁢ Christian countries to follow.



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