The meeting chair noted that the Greek parliament passed a law recognizing same-sex marriage, according to a report from RIA News. The announcement marked a turning point in Greek civil rights legislation and reflected the ongoing evolution of family law in the country.
A total of 254 deputies participated in the vote. The ruling coalition and several opposition groups backed the measure, while others opposed it or abstained. In the final tally, 176 deputies voted against the law and 76 voted in favor, with 2 lawmakers abstaining. The president confirmed that the law had been approved. The vote followed two days of debate and was conducted by roll call, with the proceedings broadcast on the parliamentary television channel.
Greece’s 300-seat parliament saw support from a broad political spectrum. The backing came from the ruling New Democracy party, along with SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance, PASOK, the New Left, and the Freedom Course led by former speaker Zoe Konstantopoulou. Opponents included the Communist Party of Greece, the Greek Solution party, and the Niki party, as well as the far-right Spartiates party. Notably, several New Democracy members who supported the legislation were absent during the vote, and most of those who opposed did not participate.
The developments also intersected with religious institutions. The Russian Orthodox Church publicly stated its support for the Greek Orthodox Church’s stance on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Earlier remarks from the church in Russia called for a cautious approach to surrogacy legislation, signaling a broader conversation about family policy across religious and national lines. The expanding debate highlighted the influence of church voices in shaping public opinion on civil rights issues in Greece and neighboring regions.
In summary, the Greek Parliament moved forward with a significant reform despite a divided chamber. The measure represents a notable milestone in how civil rights are discussed and codified in Greek law, reflecting shifting cultural norms and the complex interplay between politics, society, and faith in the region. The coverage of the event by RIA News provided a detailed account of the vote, the participants, and the immediate reactions from various political actors and institutions. This development is likely to influence ongoing discussions about equality, family law, and social policy in Greece and beyond, as legal frameworks continue to adapt to diverse family structures and rights contexts.