Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Rights

In a historic change, Greece's parliament passed a bill granting same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt, celebrated by LGBT rights advocates with applause in the legislative chamber and public demonstrations in Athens.

This decision positions Greece as one of the pioneering Orthodox Christian nations to embrace marriage equality after years of activism.

The bill, backed by 176 out of 300 MPs, will officially become law upon publication in the government gazette.

Despite opposition and abstention from members of the ruling New Democracy party, the legislation secured passage with support from leftist parties and signals a significant move toward human rights and societal progress, as participants in pro-bill rallies highlighted.

Public opinion in Greece is divided, with the influential Orthodox Church condemning homosexuality and some in the LGBT community seeking further reforms, such as equal rights in assisted reproduction and surrogacy, which the current law does not address.

Far-right opponents criticized the measure as contrary to Christian values and national interests, whereas former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras openly declared his opposition, denying that same-sex marriage is a human right.

As advocates rallied outside parliament with messages of steadfast equality, members of the LGBT community expressed pride in Greece's progressive stance, with hopes for continued societal and legal advancements.

Previous efforts, including unauthorized same-sex marriages on the island of Tilos in 2008 and incremental legal progress for civil partnerships and gender identity recognition, have paved the way for this groundbreaking legislation.