Athens, June 2, 2025
Photo: npr.org
Greece's Council of State ruled Friday that civil marriage between gay couples and adoption by such couples are constitutional, upholding Law 5089/2024 with a 21-6 majority vote.
The law was originally passed in February 2024 despite the strong opposition of the Greek Orthodox Church and the people, thus making Greece the first Orthodox country to legalize gay marriage. At least two metropolitans—Seraphim of Piraeus and Seraphim of Kythira—excommunicated within their dioceses the members of Parliament who voted in favor of the gay marriage-adoption law.
And last week, the supreme administrative court rejected a challenge brought by three associations, including a pro-life group, that sought to annul provisions of the law legalizing same-sex unions and adoption rights, reports Ekathimerini.
The challengers argued that same-sex marriage alters the traditional concept of family and disadvantages adopted children, specifically targeting a ministerial decision on how marital and parental data would be recorded in civil registries.
The court determined that the law does not violate constitutional protections of marriage, family, maternity, or equality. The ruling stated that legal recognition of same-sex marriages and related adoption rights align with constitutional principles and European case law.
The National Commission for Human Rights supported the law during proceedings, arguing it enhances child protection by formally recognizing relationships between children and non-biological parents. The state defended the legislation, emphasizing it respects individual privacy and promotes equality without affecting religious institutions.
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