Greece Poised to Legalize Same-Sex Weddings
Controversy Surrounds Same-Sex Marriage in Greece
ATHENS—Greece is expected to legalize same-sex weddings this week, in a vote due to be held the day after Valentine’s Day. Not everyone is feeling the love, however, and the Greek church has become an outspoken and powerful rival to the changes.
Church Opposition Sparks Outdated Controversy
Even though the bill isn’t forcing the priests to marry gay people and has nothing to do with the church, it is church officials who have been the loudest opponents, with bishops appearing on television programs making outdated and false accusations, calling homosexuality a mental illness and suggesting that gay men and women are sick and only the church can heal them.
Greece Leading the Way for Same-Sex Marriage in Christian Orthodox Countries
When the bill passes, Greece will be the first Christian Orthodox country with strong roots in religion to allow same-sex marriage. Ultra-orthodox and far-right groups have protested against the bill, claiming that traditional family values are in danger.
Church Resistance and LGBTQ+ Rights Progress
“I didn’t expect anything different from the church,” said Stella Belia, who was among a group of independent consultants who worked on the national strategy for the equality of LGBTQ+ people. She expressed disappointment with the Church’s stance but affirmed that it would not affect her faith.
Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage to Protect LGBTQ+ Families
Although Greece has recognized a cohabitation agreement for same-sex couples since 2015, the new bill will also acknowledge the children of those couples who have not been officially recognized as families, granting them previously unattainable rights. However, the right to medically assisted reproduction and surrogacy will still not be extended to same-sex couples.
A Step Toward Equality
“It is very important for many [gay] families who have been feeling insecure, like families where the one member who is the legal parent is a person whose life is in danger. Those families will finally be able to have a shared parenting role,” said Belia, who is the president of Rainbow Families Greece.
Church and the Next Steps
The bill is currently in parliamentary procedures and will be brought to a vote on Feb. 15. The Greek church will then decide how to respond to the new law within religious settings. Greece’s newly elected opposition party leader, who is gay himself, has also been a vocal advocate for same-sex marriage.
Church opposition and Government’s Will
Despite the opposition, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated that the democratic will cannot be stopped by the Church, as the State is responsible for legislation.
A Milestone for Greece
The impending legalization of same-sex marriages in Greece marks a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the country, a significant step toward achieving equality and recognition for all.