Greece legalizes same-sex marriage despite opposition from Orthodox Church

Greece legalized same-sex marriage on Thursday, passing a bill legalizing same-sex marriage despite opposition from the Orthodox Church.

The country became the first Orthodox country to pass a law legalizing same-sex marriage and equal parental rights for same-sex couples. Associated Press (AP News) reported.

Out of 300 members of parliament, 176 members from various parties voted in favor of the bill drafted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to the Associated Press, 76 lawmakers rejected the bill, with two abstaining from voting and 46 not attending the vote.

“The vote has passed. As of tonight, Greece is proud to become the 16th EU country to legislate marriage equality.” Mitsotakis posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “This is a milestone for human rights and reflects Greece today as a progressive and democratic country committed to European values.”

Supporters of the bill and protesters gathered outside Congress on Thursday as lawmakers debated it, according to the Associated Press.

“People who were previously invisible will finally become visible around us. And with them, many children [will] We have finally found their rightful place,” the prime minister told MPs early Thursday, the paper reported.

The bill would give full parental rights to same-sex couples, but not full rights to surrogacy couples. Advocates have objected to the lack of restrictions and provisions for transgender people.

Same-sex marriage is supported by the majority of residents. Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of the conservative governing group New Democracy opposes the bill.

He told parliament that same-sex marriage is “not a human right” and that it is not the duty of the state to legalize same-sex marriage.

The Greek Church, which does not recognize same-sex marriage, has been the main voice of opposition to the bill. Church officials say the bill could affect traditional family values ​​and extend restrictions on surrogacy to same-sex couples.

The Associated Press contributed.