Athens Protests Same-Sex Marriage Bill Ahead of Parliament Vote

Athens witnessed a protest of over 1,500 people against a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, set for a vote in parliament. Religious groups view the bill as a threat to traditional family values.

On Sunday, February 11th, more than 1,500 protesters gathered in central Athens to voice their opposition to a bill that seeks to legalize same-sex marriage in Greece. The bill, sponsored by the country's conservative government, is set for a vote in parliament in the coming days.

Religious Groups Lead the Charge

The rally was organized by religious groups who view the bill as a threat to the traditional family. Many protesters chanted slogans such as "Hands off our children" to express their disapproval. Dimitris Natsios, leader of the far-right and strongly religious Niki party, expressed his concerns to the Associated Press, stating that the "woke agenda" has reached Greece and includes the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Niki Party's Stance

Natsios emphasized that Greece is a Christian Orthodox country and their traditions do not allow for same-sex marriage. He believes that the Orthodox Christian wedding is the only recognized form of marriage and that the bill is unconstitutional and goes against their faith. The Niki party, founded in 2019, entered Parliament in 2023 and has 10 lawmakers in the 300-member assembly.

Current Legal Status and Potential Impact

Currently, many same-sex couples in Greece who wish to start a family opt to get married in countries where same-sex weddings are legal. However, Greece has made progress in recognizing the rights of same-sex couples. In December 2015, the country legalized "cohabitation contracts" for same-sex couples, and in October 2017, it allowed sex identity change by simple declaration without requiring psychiatric evaluation or sex reassignment surgery.

If the same-sex marriage bill is approved, Greece would become the first majority Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ rights.

The debate over same-sex marriage in Greece highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional values and progressive social change. As the bill faces a vote in parliament, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential to shape the future of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.