Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage

·

Greece has become the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage.

The same-sex marriage bill – which was drafted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis′ centre-right government – was approved 176-76 in the 300-member assembly late Thursday, with 2 MPs voting “present.” A total of 46 abstained.

The new law allows same-sex couples to have a civil marriage and recognises parental rights for same-sex couples. It will not allow gay men to acquire biological children through surrogate mothers in Greece.

The announcement of the result was greeted by sustained applause.

Supporters, waving rainbow banners, and opponents of the bill, holding religious icons and praying, held separate gatherings outside parliament on Thursday.

The landmark bill was backed by four left-wing parties, including the main opposition party SYRIZA. Three small far-right parties and the Communist Party rejected the draft law.

Church officials had centered their criticism on the bill’s implications for traditional family values.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

You May Also Like

Coronavirus deaths hit new daily record in Greece

Greece reported 121 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, a daily record, with hospitals in the north of the country under pressure as intensive care beds fill up with COVID-19 patients.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Three Australians of Greek heritage exposed as convicted child sexual offenders in SA

South Australia’s convicted child sexual offenders have been exposed in a second-annual database by The Advertiser.