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Historical. Greece approves of same-sex marriage; the first Orthodox country to legalize it

  • February 15, 2024
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Greek parliament approved the legalization of marriage between people of the same sexa historic victory for LGBT rights advocates that was greeted with applause from spectators in parliament

Historical.  Greece approves of same-sex marriage;  the first Orthodox country to legalize it

Greek parliament approved the legalization of marriage between people of the same sexa historic victory for LGBT rights advocates that was greeted with applause from spectators in parliament and dozens of people gathered on the streets of Athens.

The law provides the right of same-sex couples to marry and adopt childrenand it comes after decades of campaigning by the LGBT community for marriage equality in this socially conservative country.

Greece is the first Orthodox country to allow same-sex weddings.

“This is a historic moment,” he said Reuters Stella Belia, director of the same-sex parent group Rainbow Families. “This is a day of joy.”

The bill was approved by 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament and will become law when it is published in the official government gazette.

Although members of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right New Democracy party abstained or voted against the project, it received ample support from the left-wing opposition, a rare show of party unity despite intense debate.

“This is a very important step for human rights, a very important step for equality and a very important step for Greek society,” said Nikos Nikolaidis, a 40-year-old historian who earlier joined a rally in support of the bill. vote.

Recent opinion polls show that Greeks are divided on the issue.

powerful Orthodox Churchwho considers homosexuality a sin, opposed same-sex marriage.

Although many members of the LGBT community believe that the bill does not go far enough.

This does not remove barriers to LGBT couples using assisted reproduction methods. Surrogacy will also not apply to LGBT people, although the bill recognizes children born abroad by this method.

Hellenic Balds, one of three far-right parties with parliamentary representation, called the project “anti-Christian” and said it was harmful to national interests.

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, a New Democracy MP, said: “Of course I will vote against it.

“Marriage between same-sex couples… is not a human right.”

Proud to be Greek

LGBT groups gathered in front of parliament. The banner read: “Not a step back to real equality.”
“I am very proud as a Greek citizen because Greece is truly – now – one of the most progressive countries,” said Hermine Papadima, a member of the Greek Transgender Support Association.

Activists have been pushing for change for decades, often in defiance of the Church and right-wing politicians.

In 2008, a gay and lesbian couple got married on the small island of Tilos in violation of the law, but their marriage was later annulled by the high court.

But in recent years, some steps have been taken.

Since 2015, Greece has recognized the civil union of same-sex couples. without the same rights as heterosexual marriage.

In 2017, Greece legalized gender identity.

Two years ago it banned conversion therapy for minors, which is aimed at suppressing a person’s sexual orientation. (Reuters)

Source: Aristegui Noticias

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