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Greece Becomes First Orthodox Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

February 16, 2024

Greece Makes Historic Leap: Becomes First Orthodox Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

The Greek Parliament on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, marking a historic moment for the country and the wider Orthodox Christian community. Greece becomes the first nation within this religious denomination to officially recognize same-sex unions, paving the way for equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. This milestone coincides with Pope Francis‘ recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples, sending ripples of acceptance and fostering hope for increased inclusivity within religious realms.

The road to legalization wasn’t without its challenges. While polls consistently showed public support for same-sex marriage, the powerful Greek Orthodox Church remained staunchly opposed, calling it an “abomination” and attempting to sway lawmakers. Despite the resistance, LGBTQ+ activists, human rights groups, and progressive political parties persevered, ultimately securing parliamentary approval with 176 votes in favor to 76 against.

The passage of the bill was met with joyous celebrations from LGBTQ+ communities across Greece. Crowds gathered outside Parliament, waving rainbow flags and chanting slogans like “Love is love!” and “Equality for all!”. Social media users expressed their elation, calling it a “victory for love” and a “historic day for Greece.”

Just weeks prior, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, formally approved blessings for same-sex couples, albeit under specific conditions and distinct from marriage ceremonies. This move, while sparking mixed reactions, represents a significant shift within the Catholic Church and provides potential inspiration for other religious institutions to consider similar paths towards inclusivity.

With this decision, Greece joins a growing list of countries that have legalized same-sex marriage, bringing the total to 30 worldwide. This move positions Greece as a leader for progressive social change within the Orthodox Christian sphere, potentially paving the way for similar movements in other nations belonging to the same denomination.

While the law itself has been passed, legal procedures and regulations for same-sex marriages are still under development. It is expected that couples will be able to officially wed within the next few months.

This landmark decision serves as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals in Greece and beyond. It represents a significant step towards achieving equality and creating a more inclusive society where everyone can love and be loved freely. However, it’s important to acknowledge that challenges remain, including potential backlash from conservative groups and the need for further efforts to combat discrimination and ensure true inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community in Greece.

The journey towards marriage equality began in 2001 when the Netherlands became the first country to recognize same-sex marriage, paving the way for a global movement. Since then, a growing number of nations have joined the list of those acknowledging and celebrating love in all its forms.

Here is a timeline highlighting key milestones in the global acceptance of same-sex marriage: