Same-sex Greek couple race to marry after historic vote

The historic bill passed by the Greek parliament also allows same-sex couples to adopt children - another big step forward as Ampatzidou can now legally adopt.

“When we heard the bill had passed, we were very moved,” said Kalantzi, who along with Ampatzidou had travelled 500km to enter parliament to watch the vote.

Greek gay couple get married after historical law picture 1 — Members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters celebrate in front of the Greek parliament, after a vote in favor of a bill approving same-sex civil marriage, in Athens, Greece, February 15, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

The couple hired a DJ and photographer for their May wedding. "There was no other way. I had to have her," she said of her future spouse.

“This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting the Greece of today – a progressive and democratic country, passionately committed to European values,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, urging lawmakers to pass the bill.

The law, which has been opposed by the Orthodox Church and many right-wing politicians, will take several days to become official. That has not stopped couples, many of whom have waited years to marry, from taking the first steps.

At least one same-sex couple in Athens printed a notice in an Athens newspaper on Friday with details of their wedding, a public announcement required for all marriages under Greek law, officials said.

The vote was welcomed by dozens of countries.

“We celebrate this historic moment together with the Greek people, parliament and government,” said a joint statement from 28 embassies in Greece, from the Netherlands to South Africa and Argentina.

At home, the issue of same-sex marriage is dividing Greece, where the powerful Church and the right have long opposed reform. Athenians have expressed mixed opinions.

“The concept of family has collapsed, we have individual rights, but these rights cannot be institutionalized and affect everyone in society,” said Eleni Parasi, a 50-year-old civil servant.

Greece has lagged behind other EU countries on LGBT+ rights for decades, but has implemented a series of reforms in recent years.

In 2015, the country allowed same-sex couples to form civil partnerships and in 2017 gave legal recognition to gender identity. Two years ago, it banned conversion therapy for minors that aims to suppress a person’s sexual orientation.

Many in the LGBT+ community believe more needs to be done. The bill does not allow same-sex couples to use assisted reproduction methods. Surrogacy would also not be available to LGBT people, although the bill would recognise children born using such methods overseas.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

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