Lawmakers in Greece have begun a debate on a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage. It would make Greece the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. The Valentine’s Day session in parliament follows vocal opposition and protests from the Church, but public opinion has shifted and is narrowly supportive of the reform. If approved, the bill would grant same-sex couples full parental rights but not allow male partners to seek children born in Greece through surrogacy. The vote on the same-sex marriage bill is due Thursday. Greece’s parliament is to vote Thursday to legalize same-sex civil marriage in a first for an Orthodox Christian country and despite opposition from the influential Greek Church. As lawmakers debated the bill for a second day, opinion polls suggest that most Greeks support the proposed reform by a narrow margin. The issue has failed to trigger deep divisions in a country more worried about the high cost of living. The landmark bill drafted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ′ center-right government is backed by four left-wing parties, including the main opposition Syriza. That would secure it a comfortable majority in the 300-seat parliament. Several majority and left-wing lawmakers are expected to abstain or vote against the reform — but not enough to kill the bill. Three small far-right parties and the Soviet-inspired Communist Party have rejected the draft law.
via ap news: Greek parliament to vote on legalizing same-sex marriage in first for an Orthodox Christian country
