Greece became the first country with a predominantly Orthodox Christian population to legalize same-sex marriage. After Thursday’s vote, same-sex couples will now be able to legally adopt children.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law would “boldly eliminate a serious inequality”. The bill needed a simple majority to pass parliament.
Mitsotakis championed the bill but needed the support of opposition parties to push it through, as dozens of lawmakers from his center-right ruling party opposed it.
“People who were invisible will finally become visible around us, and with them many children will finally find their rightful place. The reform makes the lives of our fellow citizens better without taking away anything from life to many,” the prime minister said to the parliament during the debate before the vote, Nova reported.
The vote was hailed as historic by LGBT organizations in Greece. Fifteen of the 27 member states of the European Union have already legalized same-sex marriage. They are allowed in 35 countries around the world.
Until now, Greece has lagged behind its European neighbors, largely due to opposition from the church. But now it is the first country in South East Europe to introduce marriage equality.
However, the legislation has divided the country, with fierce opposition led by the influential Greek Orthodox Church. Her supporters held rallies in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Thursday. Many raised flags, held crosses, said prayers and sang passages from the Bible.
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