Greek Parliament Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, Marking Historic Moment for LGBT Rights
After years of tireless campaigning, the fight for legal recognition of same-sex marriage in Greece may finally come to an end this week. On Thursday, Greek lawmakers are expected to vote in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone in the country's history and clearing legal hurdles for gay couples who already have or want to have children.
If approved, Greece would become the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage, setting a precedent for other nations with strong religious ties. The move comes as a result of a rare display of cross-party collaboration, showcasing the growing acceptance and support for equal rights.
For Stella Belia, a 57-year-old drama teacher who has been advocating for same-sex marriage for years, the potential legalization is a 'great relief.' Belia, who had twin boys with her former female partner, considers her ex-partner to be the boys' other mother. However, under current laws, only the biological parents of children in civil partnerships are recognized as legal guardians.
Children's rights have played a significant role in shifting public opinion and swaying the balance in favor of the marriage bill. The stories of cancer survivors in same-sex relationships have garnered widespread attention and highlighted the need for legal recognition and protection. The bill, sponsored by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservative government, has gained support from various political parties.
However, the Orthodox Church, representing Greece's dominant faith, has vehemently opposed the bill. The Church argues that legalizing same-sex marriage would blur parental roles and undermine the traditional family structure. It has even threatened to refuse baptizing children of gay couples. Traditionalist groups and far-right political parties, in alliance with the Church, have organized public demonstrations against the bill.
Despite some conservative dissent within the Mitsotakis government, which will need support from the opposition to secure the necessary votes, the timing of the bill seems strategically calculated. By backing the measure, Mitsotakis strengthens his centrist image while allowing controversial discussions to subside before the upcoming European Union-wide elections in June.
Dimitris Mavros, managing director of market research firm MRB Hellas, believes that economic concerns, such as rising prices and financial anxiety among Greeks, may overshadow the same-sex marriage debate. Recent strikes and ongoing farmers' protests have reflected the growing concerns of the general public. Mavros predicts that the issue of same-sex marriage may not elicit widespread controversy and will likely be resolved calmly.
For couples like Chrysa Gkotsopoulou and Elena Kotsifi, who had to conceal their relationship for years, the potential legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece brings joy and hope. The couple, engineers who moved to England in 2015, now have a young daughter and travel to Greece using their U.K. passports. They believe that the passage of the bill would allow them to return home after nearly a decade away.
As the anticipated vote draws near, activists and supporters of same-sex marriage are preparing to celebrate the potential historic milestone. Stella Belia, along with many others, plans to be present in the public gallery of the parliament during the vote, ready to rejoice and embrace a brighter future for the LGBT community in Greece.
The potential legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece marks a significant step forward in the fight for equal rights and serves as a beacon of hope for other nations facing similar challenges.
