In a significant move towards equality, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged the Greek parliament to approve new legislation to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption.
Labelling this step as crucial for democracy, Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of abolishing the notion of second-tier citizenship, particularly when it affects children.
The vote, scheduled for 15 February, has been met with anticipation and support from various political factions, including a notable endorsement from New Democracy MP Maria Syrengela, who criticised the Orthodox Church’s conservative stance by highlighting the bill’s role in fostering a non-discriminatory society.
This legislative effort, which Mitsotakis committed to last year, enjoys the backing of several left-leaning parties, notably the principal opposition, Syriza. This development follows the 2015 recognition of cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples, granting them limited marital rights. The proposed law aims to extend these rights to include full parental privileges, albeit with restrictions on surrogate motherhood within Greece, leaving adoption and international surrogacy as the primary avenues for family expansion among gay couples.
However, the initiative has faced stiff resistance from the influential Orthodox Church, which criticises the bill for purportedly distorting parental roles and undermining traditional family values by treating children as mere commodities for same-sex couples. Despite such opposition, the bill has garnered widespread political support.
Should the legislation pass, it will mark a transformative moment for same-sex couples like Elefsiniotis and Gavriilides, who eagerly anticipate the legal recognition of their family unit. With the legal framework in place, they look forward to exercising their rights fully, from routine parental responsibilities to ensuring their child’s welfare in case of unforeseen circumstances, thereby reinforcing the foundation of equality and acceptance in Greek society.
