The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, disclosed the legalization of same sex marriage and the legal adoption of children by same-sex couple in Greece after Thursday’s 176 against 76 votes in parliament.
According to the newly declared law, the minister noted that the new development would “boldly abolish a serious inequality”.
However, this new measure was not welcomed by many in the country and it’s impact has led to a form of division and a strong opposition led by the powerful Orthodox Church.
It’s opposers held a protest rally in Athens, displaying banners, held crosses, read prayers and sang passages from the Bible in the capital’s Syntagma Square.
Archbishop Leronymos, head of the Orthodox Church mentioned that the measure would “corrupt the homeland’s social cohesion.
Despite Mitsotakis championing of the bill, the bill still requires a simple majority to pass through the 300-member parliament.
Hence, the prime minister is seeking the support of the opposition parties to get it over the line, with dozens of MPs from his Centre right governing party opposed.
“People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place,” the prime minister told parliament during a debate ahead of the vote.
“The reform makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better, without taking away anything from the lives of the many,” Mitsotakis said.
“This is a historic moment,” Stella Belia, the head of same-sex parents’ group Rainbow Families, said to Reuters news agency. “This is a day of joy.”
According to the BBC News, Fifteen of the European Union’s 27 members have already legalised same-sex marriage. It is permitted in 35 countries worldwide.
Greece has until now lagged behind some of its European neighbours, largely because of opposition and resistance from the Church.
Now, it is the first country in south-eastern Europe to have marriage equality.
