Greece is on the verge of embracing marriage equality and granting adoption rights to same-sex couples, according to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In an interview with state-run ERT television, Mitsotakis stated that his government is preparing to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation in marriage. The draft law is expected to be presented in the coming days, following ongoing discussions on its framework.
Since assuming office in 2019, Mitsotakis has been a proponent of LGBTQ rights and made legalizing same-sex marriage a part of his re-election agenda. He believes that Greek society is ready for these changes. While Greece currently permits same-sex civil unions, these do not offer the same level of rights and recognition as marriage, particularly in areas such as adoption and parental rights.
Under the proposed legislation, same-sex couples will have full marriage equality. Furthermore, single men who have already adopted a child will be recognized as parents if they marry another man. This would grant them the same rights as any other couple. Non-biological parents in existing same-sex couples will also be granted full parental rights.
However, the bill is likely to face opposition from socially conservative members of Mitsotakis's New Democracy party, such as Minister of State Makis Voridis and former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who have indicated that they may either oppose the legislation or abstain from the vote. Nevertheless, the support of four center-left and left-wing parties is expected to ensure the bill's passage in parliament.
The Greek Orthodox church, which holds significant influence in the country, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed legislation. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, however, emphasized that while the church's opinion is important, it is ultimately the government that has the authority to enact laws.
If the draft bill is passed by parliament, it will become law upon its publication in the government gazette, unless a specific start date is specified. Greece's move towards marriage equality aligns with a global trend, as over 30 jurisdictions worldwide have implemented laws allowing same-sex marriage.
This recent development in Greece follows Estonia's recognition of same-sex marriages earlier this month, making it the first Baltic nation to do so. While Europe has generally made positive strides in LGBTQ rights, there has been some polarization and backlash in the region, notably in Hungary and Italy. Nonetheless, Greece's progressive stance on LGBTQ rights sets an encouraging precedent for other countries to follow.