Greek lawmakers to vote on same-sex marriage legalization amid Orthodox Church opposition

Greek lawmakers are slated to vote on the legalization of same-sex marriage on Thursday, despite significant opposition from the Orthodox Church. If passed, Greece would be the first Orthodox Christian country to sanction same-sex marriage. The legislation would also address legal challenges faced by gay couples having or wanting to have children.

However, the country’s Orthodox Church opposes the bill, arguing it will compromise the traditional family structure. Several bishops have warned that they will refuse to provide sacraments to children of same-sex couples. Far-right political parties and traditionalist groups, with the backing of some from the Church, have also staged public demonstrations.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ centre-right government is sponsoring the bill, and it has the support of the opposition party, Syriza. Leader Stefanos Kasselakis stated that his party will vote in favor, although he believes the bill does not sufficiently cover parenthood rights.