Valentine's Day: Greek Parliament debates legalisation of same-sex marriage

Greek lawmakers began a heated debate this morning on a landmark bill to legalise same-sex marriage, which would make Greece the first Orthodox country to do so. LIFO writes about this.

While the debate at the plenary session of the parliament is ongoing, the Archbishop of Greece said that "it would be good if this particular vote was a roll call vote". His proposal has already been supported by 21 MPs. Today, these MPs have submitted their respective requests for a roll call vote.

Also today, three objections were filed against the bill on same-sex marriage and adoption on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

The church has been clearly stating its opposition to this particular bill by all means: through announcements of the Holy Synod, letters to MPs, and the text read in churches. At the same time, representatives of the Church made constant public statements against same-sex marriage and procreation. 

Now, Archbishop Ieronymos, speaking on the air of the Church radio station, said that "it would be good" to hold a roll call vote on the bill tomorrow, because in this way we "ensure democracy and the interests" of the people "in the best way". 

"Our country is a democratic country that is globally present in global forums. In fact, the Greek people are democratic and have been teaching democracy since ancient times," said the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. 

Since Wednesday morning, the plenary session of the parliament has been debating on same-sex marriage and childbearing. The vote is expected to take place tomorrow and up to 50 of the 158 New Democracy MPs are expected to either vote against the bill or abstain to avoid a vote.

A recent poll for the Proto Thema newspaper found that only 55% support same-sex marriage, and an even smaller majority supports same-sex procreation.

Fifteen out of the 27 members of the European Union have already legalised marriage for same-sex couples. Globally, 35 countries allow it.