Greece’s parliament has passed a bill allowing same-sex civil marriage, The decision, greeted with cheers both inside parliament and on the streets of Athens, grants same-sex couples the right to wed and adopt children.
After years of advocacy and campaigning, supporters of marriage equality have achieved a long-awaited victory in the socially conservative nation. Greece now stands as one of the first Orthodox Christian countries to legalize such unions.
Stella Belia, head of the same-sex parents group Rainbow Families, described the occasion as a “historic moment” and a “day of joy.” The bill received overwhelming support in parliament, with 176 lawmakers voting in favor out of the 300-seat chamber.
The approval of the bill is seen as a significant step forward for human rights and equality in Greek society, according to supporters like 40-year-old historian Nikos Nikolaidis, who joined a rally in support of the bill prior to the vote.
However, opinions remain divided among Greeks, with recent polls reflecting a split on the issue. The Orthodox Church, which opposes same-sex marriage, has voiced strong opposition, while some in the LGBT community argue that the bill falls short of addressing all their concerns.
Source: Reuters – Agencies
