The Greek Parliament has legalized same-sex marriages. During the vote on Thursday evening, February 15, 176 MPs expressed their support for amendments to the legislation allowing same-sex partners to register their marital status at the registry office and adopt children. 76 parliamentarians voted against, and two abstained. The amendments followed two days of debate.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who pushed for the reform, called the parliament’s decision a «major milestone for human rights.» He wrote in his microblog on the X platform, «This decision reflects today’s Greece — a progressive and democratic country that passionately adheres to European values.»
The first Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriages
Greece has become the first Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage and the right of homosexuals to adopt children. Until now, this was possible in 36 countries, including 16 European Union countries.
In early January, Mitsotakis announced his intention to introduce a corresponding bill to parliament, despite objections within his own party, «New Democracy,» and resistance from the influential Greek Orthodox Church. At the same time, the opposition party «SYRIZA» and other smaller parties supported the reform.