Greece Legalises Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming First Majority-Orthodox Nation to Do So

Greece has become the first majority-Orthodox Christian nation to legalise same-sex marriage under civil law. The Associated Press reports that, at least for the near future, it will almost certainly be the only one.

Eastern Orthodox leadership has no single doctrinal authority comparable to a pope. Despite that, the source says, its leaders have been united in opposing the recognition of same-sex relationships, both within the churches’ own rites and in civil law.

Public opinion in majority Orthodox countries has also mostly been opposed, according to the report. The source does not give survey figures or name the countries where opinion was measured.

Where the civil and church positions diverge, the report suggests that the Orthodox position on marriage is not limited to church practice, since opposition extends to civil recognition as well (Proverbs 18:17).

Source: Read the original report