Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox country in the world to legalize same-sex unions after the Athens parliament approved the historic legislation amid scenes of national joy and indignation.

The decision, supported by 176 out of 300 lawmakers in parliament and with 76 against, follows months of polarized political and public discourse, and has been welcomed as a long-awaited vindication by the country’s LGBTQ+ couples.

“This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today’s Greece - a progressive, and democratic country, passionately committed to European values,” Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a post on X following the vote.

In addition to recognizing same-sex marriages, the legislation clears the way for adoption and gives the same rights to both same-sex parents as a child’s legal guardian, whereas to date such rights have applied only to the biological parent.

Although Greece introduced civil partnerships for gay couples nearly a decade ago under the left-wing Syriza government, only the biological parents of children in those relationships were recognized as legal guardians. Now, same-sex parents can both be recognized as legal parents to their children.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, many unable to contain their emotions, watched from the galleries above.

“We have waited years for this,” said the prominent gay activist Stella Belia of legislation that will not only allow same-sex couples to exchange vows in civil ceremonies but also to adopt children.

“It’s a historic moment. A lot of us weren’t sure it would ever come,” she said.

Previously, individuals in opposition to the bill had staged protests nearby, expressing their dissent while holding prayer books and religious icons.

The Holy Synod, the highest authority of the Greek Orthodox Church, contended in a letter to lawmakers this month that the bill "abolishes fatherhood and motherhood, neutralizes the sexes," and introduces an atmosphere of confusion for children. This sentiment was reiterated by clergy in sermons throughout the country in recent weeks, with some bishops even declaring their refusal to baptize the children of same-sex couples.

Church groups also joined forces with far-right parties to hold rallies in Athens and other cities to oppose the changes. Last Sunday, hundreds of people staged a demonstration outside Parliament, with some holding banners that read, “There’s only one family, the traditional one.”

Public opinion polls indicate that the majority of Greeks narrowly support the reform, and the issue has not significantly polarized the nation, which is more concerned about the high cost of living.

The bill was backed by four left-wing parties, including the main opposition Syriza.

“This law doesn’t solve every problem, but it is a beginning,” said Spiros Bibilas, a lawmaker from the small left-wing Passage to Freedom party, who is openly gay.

The reform gained approval, even though numerous lawmakers from the majority and left-wing factions either abstained or voted against it. Throughout the two-day debate, three minor far-right parties and the Communist Party with roots in Stalinism consistently opposed the proposed legislation.

The law does not provide same-sex couples with access to assisted reproduction or the option of surrogate pregnancies. It also does not give transgender people rights as parents. Many LGBTQ rights advocates have criticized that limitation, as well as the absence of any provision for transgender people.

Psychologist Nancy Papathanasiou, scientific co-director of Orlando LGBT, which advocates for LGBTQI mental health, echoed that concern but said the new law confers a very important sense of equality.

“Discrimination is the most pervasive risk factor for mental health,” she said. “So just knowing that there is less discrimination is protective and promotive for LGBTQI mental health.”

Maria Syrengela, a lawmaker from the governing New Democracy, or ND, said the reform redresses a long-standing injustice for same-sex couples and their children.

“And let’s reflect on what these people have been through, spending so many years in the shadows, entangled in bureaucratic procedures,” she said.

From a political standpoint, the same-sex marriage law is unlikely to pose a threat to Mitsotakis' government. The government, which secured a comfortable re-election last year by gaining substantial support from the centrist voter base, remains relatively unaffected by this legislation.

However, a more significant challenge is arising from continuing protests by angry farmers expressing frustration over elevated production costs. Additionally, the government is facing vehement opposition from numerous students who strongly oppose the proposed elimination of the state monopoly on university education.

Nevertheless, parliament is expected to approve the university bill later this month, and opinion polls indicate that most Greeks support it.

Image source: Bloomberg