Greece legalized same-sex marriage

Greece has become the first country with a predominantly Orthodox Christian population in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, the BBC reported.

After the vote on February 15, same-sex couples will now be able to legally adopt children.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law would "boldly eliminate a serious inequality".

However, the legislation has divided the country, with fierce opposition led by the influential Greek Orthodox Church.

The bill needed a simple majority to pass the 300-member parliament.

Mitsotakis championed the bill, but needed the support of opposition parties to push it through, as dozens of lawmakers from his center-right ruling party opposed it.

"People who have been invisible will finally become visible around us, and with them many children will finally find their rightful place," the prime minister told parliament during the debate before the vote.

"The reform makes the lives of a few of our fellow citizens better without taking anything away from the lives of the majority," he added.

The vote was hailed as historic by LGBTQ organizations in Greece.

Fifteen of the 27 member states of the European Union have already legalized same-sex marriage. They are allowed in 35 countries around the world.

Until now, Greece has lagged behind some of its European neighbors, largely due to opposition from the church.

It is the first country in Southeast Europe to introduce marriage equality.

Church supporters held rallies in Syntagma Square in Athens on Thursday. Many raised flags, held crosses, read prayers and sang excerpts from the Bible./BGNES