In 2015, Greece passed a law that made same-sex civil partnerships legal, becoming the 26th European country to do so. That legislation granted certain rights and benefits to same-sex couples, although they are presently not permitted to adopt children.
This week, the center-right government of Greece announced its intention to present a proposed legislation that would permit same-sex marriage, even though it has faced opposition from the powerful Orthodox Church and lawmakers.
During a recent interview, current Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared that his government’s aim is to establish marriage equality through legislation. He did not provide a specific timeline but mentioned that it would not take a significant amount of time.
Mitsotakis stated that there would be no discrimination based on sexual orientation in marital relationships. He clarified that the bill permits same-sex couples to adopt children, but it does not allow for surrogate parenthood. It is highly unlikely for women to be transformed into on-demand child-producing machines, he added.
Some members of Mitsotakis’s conservative New Democracy party are expected to be against the bill, which could create divisions within the party. Mitsotakis has stated that he will not pressure these lawmakers to support the legislation and will instead try to gain bipartisan support. This matter is of great importance to the main opposition party, Syriza, led by Stefanos Kasselakis, who is openly gay. Kasselakis and his husband, who were married in New York in October, expressed their desire to become parents through surrogacy.
Mitsotakis, who was re-elected last year, had made a significant campaign pledge to legalize same-sex marriage. Since 2021, Mitsotakis has implemented several reforms, including lifting the prohibition on homosexual men donating blood and banning surgeries aimed at normalizing the sex of children.
According to a recent survey conducted by the national polling company, 49% of Greeks are against the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 35% are in support of it.
The Orthodox Church of Greece, holding considerable sway over society and politics, has strongly objected to the reforms. Approximately 80-90% of Greece’s population, totaling 11 million people, identify as Greek Orthodox. Mitsotakis clarified that the proposed changes would classify same-sex weddings as civil unions rather than religious ceremonies performed in churches. He expressed understanding that certain requests cannot be made of the Church.
As of January 2024, a total of 20 European countries have legally acknowledged and conducted same-sex marriages.