The bill on same sex marriage was introduced to the Plenary of the Greek Parliament on Wednesday. The voting of the bill that has divided the society is scheduled to be voted on Friday.
In granting the possibility of marriage to persons of the same sex, the draft bill “Equality in civil marriage, amendment of the Civil Code and other provisions” implements the constitutional principle of freedom and the constitutional principle of equality, Parliament’s Scientific Service said in its report on the bill.
The Conference of Speakers of the House decided to allow two days for the debate and final vote, which will determine whether the bill becomes law.
Some 21 conservative lawmakers have requested a roll call and so did the Archbishop of Athens, Ieronymos, although he has no political or parliamentary role whatsoever.
During the processing of the draft law in the committees of the Parliament, the rapporteurs of ruling New Democracy, main opposition SYRIZA, and the opposition parties PASOK, New Left and Plefsis Eleftherias were in favor of the bill in principle. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Greek Solution, Niki and the Spartans were against the bill.
Opponents of the bill see in same-sex couples’ marriage and parenthood a threat for the Greek family.
