Mixed Support for Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage and Adoption Rights in Greece

The bill legalizing gay marriage and adoption rights in Greece is garnering widespread support among parliamentarians during a committee-level debate. New Democracy MP Maria Syrengela commended the bill as a progressive step by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government. If passed, Greece will become the 37th country to recognize same-sex marriages in national law.

A significant majority of New Democracy’s MPs, approximately 100 out of 158, are expected to vote in favor of the bill. The remaining 58 MPs will either oppose it or choose to abstain from voting. Mitsotakis encouraged MPs to abstain, but former premier Antonis Samaras condemned this approach.

Socialist PASOK MPs, while supporting the bill, criticized the government for fostering societal division over the issue. They emphasized that civil marriage equality does not threaten Greek families and young people, contrary to the government’s claims. PASOK rapporteur Pavlos Christidis expressed concern about the government’s policies, which he believes pose a greater threat to the Greek family and youth.

The draft bill will be discussed in three parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee for Public Administration, Public Order and Justice, the Standing Committee for Social Afrfairs and the Special Permanent Committee for Equality, Youth and Human Rights. The appropriate bodies will be summoned on Wednesday and a second reading of the bill will take place on Monday, February 12. The aim is for the bill to be voted on in the Parliament plenum on February 15.

Mixed Support for Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage and Adoption Rights in Greece https://t.co/kPY24xzalG pic.twitter.com/PrjMgLe8AZ

— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) February 5, 2024