In a historic move, Greece has become the inaugural Christian Orthodox-majority nation to legalize same-sex marriage, along with granting legal adoption rights to same-sex couples following a parliamentary vote of 176-76 on Thursday.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis applauded the newly enacted law, emphasizing its role in addressing a significant inequality. However, the decision has ignited a nationwide divide, with staunch opposition spearheaded by the influential Orthodox Church. Demonstrators supporting the Church gathered for a protest rally in Athens, brandishing banners, displaying crosses, reciting prayers, and singing biblical passages in Syntagma Square.
Archbishop Ieronymos, the leader of the Orthodox Church, condemned the measure, expressing concern about its potential impact on the social cohesion of the homeland.
The legislation required a basic majority to secure approval within the 300-member parliament. While Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ardently supported the bill, he sought the backing of opposition parties to ensure its passage, given that numerous members of his center-right governing party were opposed to the measure.
Addressing parliament in a pre-vote debate, the prime minister stated, “People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place.” He emphasized that the reform would enhance the lives of several fellow citizens without detracting from the lives of the broader population.
