On Wednesday, February 14, a heated discussion took place in Greek Parliament in Athens regarding the same-sex marriage bill.
According to Ekathimerini, the bill is set to be voted on today. As requested by Greece’s left-wing main opposition party, SYRIZA, and the coalition formed by the far-right party, the Spartans and the religious nationalist party Niki, the vote will take place by roll call.
If the same-sex marriage bill is approved, it will allow same-sex couples full parental rights, however, male partners would not be allowed to seek children born in Greece through surrogacy.
In Parliament on Wednesday, tensions rose following the anticipated internal dissent among New Democracy (ND) and PASOK with the upcoming vote, with potential unexpected developments from other parties. Archbishop Hieronymus also joined the discussion, urging for a named vote.
Despite there being plenty of support for the bill, which will promote marriage equality for all Greek citizens regardless of sexual orientation, there were objections and confrontations between different people and parties involved in the discussion.
“The society is changing and evolving, with or without the parliament’s permission,” State Minister Akis Skertsos emphasised.
“We call on ND lawmakers to vote for marriage equality, not against our political beliefs or social tradition, but precisely because we believe in tradition and social cohesion.”
The bill was revealed to be supported by New Democracy, SYRIZA, PASOK, New Left and Plefsi Eleftheras (Course of Freedom).
The far-right party Greek Solution, Spartans and Niki and communist KKE oppose it.
Despite the Greek church’s opposition to the bill, if the bill is passed, it would make Greece the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage.
Source: Ekathimerini.
