ATHENS, Greece – In a historic moment for Greece, a Greek novelist and his partner became the first same-sex couple to be married in Athens’ city hall, following the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in Orthodox Christian Greece. The civil wedding ceremony was officiated by Athens’ mayor, Haris Doukas. The couple, Petros Hadjopoulos, who writes under the pen name Auguste Corteau, and lawyer Anastasios Samouilidis, expressed their joy, with Hadjopoulos describing the event as “a dream that we didn’t dare entertain when we were in our teens.”
This milestone holds great significance for many individuals who grew up in Greece during the 1980s and 90s, when the LGBTQ+ community faced social ostracism and isolation. The symbolism of their marriage carries immense value for those who experienced a lonely existence, as the couple acknowledged. More than two dozen guests, including their beloved dog, witnessed the joyous occasion and enthusiastically applauded the newlyweds.
The decision to legalize same-sex marriage in Greece faced opposition from the socially conservative Orthodox Church; however, a cross-party majority of Greek lawmakers approved the legislation on February 15. These lawmakers were not exempt from the backlash, as Church officials in the island of Corfu imposed a religious ban on two local politicians who voted in favor of the reform.
While public opinion in Greece slightly favors same-sex marriage, the Orthodox Church remains deeply discontented with its legalization. Furthermore, the new law grants full parental rights to married same-sex couples with children but restricts their access to surrogacy options available to women facing fertility challenges. Despite the opposition, Mayor Doukas celebrated the historic moment and encouraged other same-sex couples to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of choosing to live and love authentically.
This is not the first same-sex wedding to be celebrated since the new law was implemented. Just last weekend, the southern Athens municipality of Nea Smyrni witnessed the first same-sex wedding, further highlighting the societal progress being made in Greece. The country, being the first majority Orthodox Christian nation to embrace same-sex marriage, had already legalized same-sex civil unions almost a decade ago.
The marriage of Petros Hadjopoulos and Anastasios Samouilidis marks a significant turning point for Greece, signaling the growing acceptance and recognition of same-sex couples and their right to marry. It is a testament to societal progress and the desire for all citizens to live and love freely in the way they choose.