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Greece has made history by becoming the first predominantly Christian Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage.
Following a 176-76 vote in parliament on Thursday, same-sex couples can now legally adopt children.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the new law as a bold step to eliminate a significant inequality.
However, the decision has stirred division within the nation, notably facing opposition from the influential Orthodox Church.
Supporters of the Church organized a protest rally in Athens, displaying banners, crosses, engaging in prayers, and reciting Bible passages in Syntagma Square.
The head of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, expressed concerns, stating that the measure could undermine social cohesion in the homeland.
The bill required a simple majority in the 300-member parliament to pass.
Although Mr. Mitsotakis advocated for the bill, he needed support from opposition parties to secure its passage, as numerous MPs from his center-right governing party were against it.
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During a parliamentary debate before the vote, the prime minister emphasized that the reform would bring visibility to previously invisible individuals and offer many children a rightful place in society.
In his words, “The reform makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better, without taking away anything from the lives of the many.”
The vote has been welcomed by LGBTQ organisations in Greece.
“This is a historic moment,” Stella Belia, the head of same-sex parents’ group Rainbow Families, told Reuters news agency. “This is a day of joy.”
Fifteen of the European Union’s 27 members have already legalised same-sex marriage. It is permitted in 35 countries worldwide.
Greece has until now tarried behind some of its European neighbours, largely because of opposition from the Church.
It is the first country in south-eastern Europe to have marriage equality.