Athens witnessed a historic moment as Greek novelist Petros Hadjopoulos, known by his pen name Auguste Corteau, and lawyer Anastasios Samouilidis became the first same-sex couple to be married in the city hall.
The ceremony took place three weeks after the legalization of same-sex marriage in traditionally Orthodox Christian Greece.
The civil wedding, officiated by the mayor of the Greek capital, was celebrated on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Hadjopoulos expressed the significance of the event, describing it as “a dream that we didn’t dare entertain when we were in our teens.”
He emphasized the symbolism of the occasion, especially for individuals who grew up in Greece during times when LGBTQ+ individuals faced isolation and discrimination.
Accompanied by their dog and surrounded by over two dozen guests, the couple exchanged vows amidst applause and support from attendees.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece was met with opposition from the socially conservative Orthodox Church, despite a majority approval from Greek lawmakers.
The Church’s discontent was evident when officials in Corfu imposed a religious ban on local lawmakers who supported the reform.
Under the new law, same-sex couples in Greece are granted full parental rights, marking a significant step towards equality. However, the law prohibits gay couples from pursuing parenthood through surrogate mothers within the country.
Mayor Haris Doukas hailed the ceremony as a “historic moment,” underscoring the importance of allowing every citizen to live and love freely. He encouraged other same-sex couples to follow suit and celebrate their love through marriage.
The first same-sex wedding under the new legislation took place over the weekend in Nea Smyrni, a municipality in southern Athens.
Greece, as the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage, has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights.
The country had previously legalized same-sex civil unions almost a decade ago, but the recent legalization of same-sex marriage marks a significant milestone in the fight for equality and inclusion.
