Greece has become the 37th country globally to recognize marriage equality, following the amendment of Article 1350 of the Civil Code to allow marriage between two individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.
The bill titled “Equality in Civil Marriage, Amendment of the Civil Code, and Other Provisions” received initial acceptance by the plenary, with 175 votes in favor, 77 against, and 2 abstentions, out of the 254 MPs who participated in the vote.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the new law as a bold step towards eliminating a significant inequality.
However, the decision has stirred division within the nation, notably drawing strong opposition from the Orthodox Church, which organized a protest rally in Athens.
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece warned that the measure could undermine the social cohesion of the Greece as well as the traditional notion of what is family.
Although Mr. Mitsotakis championed the bill, its passage required the support of opposition parties due to opposition from numerous MPs within his center-right governing party.
Addressing parliament during the debate preceding the vote, the prime minister emphasized that the reform would bring visibility to marginalized communities and provide many children with their rightful place in society. “The reform aims to enhance the lives of several of our fellow citizens, without detracting from the lives of others,” Mitsotakis declared.
Notably, 15 of the European Union’s 27 member states have already legalized same-sex marriage, joining a total of 36 countries worldwide where such unions are permitted.
The vote has passed: as of tonight, Greece is proud to become the 16th EU country 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.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) February 15, 2024
