In a landmark decision, Greece is advancing towards legalizing same-sex marriage, confronting longstanding opposition from the church. The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, emphasized the readiness and maturity of Greek society for this progressive change. Since 2015, Greece has recognized cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples, a stepping stone towards this significant development.
Navigating Challenges and Prioritizing Equality
The government is carefully crafting the same-sex marriage legislation to minimize opposition, with a focus on addressing the rights and parental privileges of LGBTQ+ couples. Despite the Church’s stern stance, viewing children as mere “accessories” to same-sex couples, the government remains committed to its policy, valuing societal, institutional, and civil opinions. This move marks a continuation of Greece’s efforts to bolster LGBTQ+ rights, including abolishing the ban on blood donations by gay men and prohibiting intersex genital mutilation.