Massive Protest in Athens Against Proposed Same-Sex Marriage Legislation
On Sunday, over 1,500 demonstrators gathered in central Athens to vehemently oppose a legislative proposal that seeks to legalize same-sex marriage in Greece. The bill, sponsored by the conservative government, is scheduled for a crucial vote in parliament within days, requiring support from center and left opposition parties for its approval. However, dissenting voices, even within the center-left, have emerged against the proposed legislation.
The rally’s organizers, primarily comprised of religious groups, framed the bill as a threat to traditional family values. Protesters, echoing their concerns, chanted slogans such as “hands off our children.” Dimitris Natsios, leader of the far-right and strongly religious Niki party, expressed his opposition to the legislation, linking it to what he referred to as the “woke agenda” infiltrating Greece.
“Unfortunately, the woke agenda has also reached Greece and that agenda includes the marriage of homosexuals,” Natsios stated in an interview with the Associated Press. “Greece is a Christian Orthodox country, and our tradition does not allow this. … We know and respect one type of marriage: The Orthodox Christian wedding. Our Constitution also does not provide for this, so this bill is unconstitutional and runs counter to our faith in Christ.”
The Niki party, founded in 2019, gained parliamentary representation in 2023, securing 3.70% of the vote and electing 10 lawmakers in the most recent election in June. The party’s strong stance against the proposed legislation aligns with its far-right and religious principles.
Presently, same-sex couples in Greece seeking to establish families often marry in countries where same-sex weddings are legally recognized. Although Greece has permitted “cohabitation contracts” for same-sex couples since December 2015, the pending bill, if approved, would mark a historic shift, making Greece the first majority Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage.
As the nation grapples with this pivotal moment, the upcoming parliamentary vote will determine whether Greece joins the ranks of countries embracing marriage equality or maintains the status quo.
Protesters at religious rally in central Athens chant slogans against same-sex marriage bill. #Greece pic.twitter.com/cZYPNqU7b6
— Derek Gatopoulos (@dgatopoulos) February 11, 2024