Passed by Parliament: Same-sex marriage legalized in Greece

The bill, which grants same-sex couples the right to civil marriage and joint adoption by amending the civil code article stating that marriage is between two people of different genders, was accepted with 176 votes in favor in the 300-seat parliament.

THE BILL CAUSED DEBATES WITHIN THE RULING PARTY

In the open vote, 76 deputies voted against the bill, while 2 deputies abstained. 46 deputies did not participate in the vote. Not all deputies from the ruling New Democracy Party voted in favor of the law, and the bill also caused internal party debates.

Most of the deputies represented in the opposition's left-wing parties supported the bill. Some left-wing party deputies chose not to participate in the vote.

THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF GREECE DID NOT SUPPORT IT

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) did not support the bill on the grounds that it would allow adoptions.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in a post on social media following the vote, "Today, Greece has become the 16th country in the European Union (EU) to legalize the principle of equality in marriage. We are proud because the bill we voted for is a turning point for human rights and reflects today's Greece: a progressive and democratic country committed to European values."

News Source: AA