Greece has become the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, despite opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church, Associated Press reports.
The bill passed with a cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers in favor, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailing it as a milestone for human rights and European values. The new law confers full parental rights on married same-sex partners but excludes parenthood through surrogacy in Greece and lacks provisions for transgender individuals.
Opposition to the bill mainly comes from conservative and religious groups, including the Church of Greece, citing concerns about traditional family values.
