Greece announces plans to legalize same-sex marriage, adoption

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed on Wednesday his intention to legalize marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.

Despite the absence of a specific timeframe, Mitsotakis emphasized the imminent legislation, marking a historic shift in the traditionally Orthodox Christian nation.

Addressing the nation on state TV ERT, Mitsotakis declared, “We will legislate equality in marriage,” underscoring his commitment to fostering an inclusive society.

However, he expressed the importance of societal readiness, stating, “I want the discussion to mature in society before I submit a proposal to the cabinet.” The prime minister assured that the waiting period would be brief.

Speculation looms regarding the legislation’s presentation before the European Parliament elections in June, as Greek media anticipates a pivotal development in the nation’s social landscape.

Mitsotakis, emphasizing the bill’s positive impact on “a few children and couples,” assured that it would not impede the rights of other Greek citizens.

He highlighted the disparity in rights for children of same-sex couples, asserting, “Same-sex couples have children, and these children are not going to vanish. But these children do not have equal rights.”

Importantly, the prime minister clarified that the proposed bill would not alter Greece’s existing rules on assisted reproduction, maintaining restrictions on surrogacy for single women and heterosexual couples. Mitsotakis staunchly rejected the notion of women becoming “child production engines on order.”

Anticipating potential internal division within his conservative New Democracy party, Mitsotakis declared that party discipline would not be enforced, allowing lawmakers to abstain from the parliamentary vote.

The issue, championed by the main opposition leftist Syriza party, holds personal significance for Syriza’s leader Stefanos Kasselakis, who is gay and aspires to become a parent through surrogacy.

A longstanding impediment to progress on same-sex issues in Greece has been the opposition of the Orthodox Church of Greece, a powerful influence in society and politics. Mitsotakis clarified that same-sex weddings would be civil unions and would not be conducted in churches, recognizing the limitations imposed by the Orthodox Church.

The Church, which previously issued a circular condemning same-sex marriage and adoption, maintains a traditional stance, stating, “Children are not pets or accessories.” This follows the Greek constitution allowing single parents, regardless of gender, to adopt since 1946, with the exception of the second partner in a same-sex union.

Greece had previously legalized civil unions for same-sex couples in 2015 under the Syriza government, addressing property and inheritance matters but omitting provisions for adoption.

The latest development signals a significant step toward comprehensive legal recognition.

Public opinion on the matter remains divided, with recent polls indicating that 49 percent of Greeks oppose legalizing same-sex marriage, while 35 percent are in favor.

Among New Democracy voters, nearly 60 percent are against the measure. Globally, nearly 40 countries permit same-sex couples to adopt, with 15 EU states legalizing same-sex marriage and 16 allowing adoption.