Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, a First Among Orthodox Nations

The landmark decision faces opposition from the Orthodox Church, highlighting the tension between traditional beliefs and evolving social norms.

Greece becomes the first majority-Orthodox Christian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, setting a precedent in a region where such laws have faced strong opposition.
The Greek Orthodox Church and other Eastern Orthodox leaderships have historically opposed same-sex relationships, reflecting the socially conservative stance of the Orthodox Christian world.
Civil unions for same-sex couples are recognized in some Orthodox countries like Montenegro and Cyprus, indicating a gradual shift in attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.
In countries like Russia and Belarus, crackdowns on LGBTQ+ expression and the absence of legal protections for same-sex couples highlight the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against countries like Ukraine and Bulgaria for failing to protect the rights of same-sex couples, pushing for legal recognition and protections.