Greece was the first Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage. The decision divided society and provoked significant opposition in the church. Demonstrations were also organized against the adoption of the law.
Greece has legalized same-sex marriage and equal parental rights for such couples. Parliament voted on the law on Thursday, which has sharply divided Greek society and sparked fierce opposition from the country's powerful Orthodox Church.
the law that has just been adopted , Greece has become the 16th European Union country to allow same-sex marriage , but it is the first Orthodox Christian nation to adopt such a law, writes Magyar Nemzet based on an article in the American newspaper The New York Times.
As a precursor to this decision, the coastal country already extended civil partnerships to same-sex couples in 2015.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promised to accept this measure after his re-election last year. Last month, he told his cabinet that same-sex marriage was an issue of equal rights, noting that more than 30 countries have similar legislation and declaring that these people should not be second-class citizens.
In addition to the recognition of same-sex marriages, the law also permits adoption.
It gives both members of the couple the same rights as the child's legal guardian, whereas until now this was only the case with the biological parent.
From now on, both members of such couples can take the children to school or to the doctor, but they can also travel with them. However, the law does not grant parental rights to transgender people.
Micotakis welcomed the vote in a post on social media, calling the new law a milestone for human rights.
The Orthodox Church resists
However, not everyone in Greece is happy with the measure. There is strong opposition to the law from the influential Orthodox Church. The Holy Synod, the highest authority of the Greek Orthodox Church, argued in a letter to lawmakers this month that the bill would abolish fatherhood and motherhood, neutralize genders and create a confusing environment for children. For example, some bishops have said they refuse to baptize children of same-sex couples.
Demonstrations across the country
In recent days, opponents of the law have demonstrated in Athens and other cities against the passage of the legislation. Last Sunday, a large crowd protested outside parliament, some holding placards that read:
"There is only one family, the traditional one."
Opinion polls conducted in recent weeks have shown the division of Greek society on the issue. Nevertheless, the parliament has now approved the law.
Cover image: EuroGlitter / X
