Everything You Need To Know About LGBTQ Rights In Greece

LGBTQ rights in Greece.

If you're looking for a vacation destination that is both picturesque and LGBTQ+ friendly, Greece is not the place for you. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation of LGBTQ+ rights in Greece.

In Greece over recent years there has been a steady increase in support for LGBTQ rights. Organizations and groups advocating have successfully raised awareness among citizens and have put more pressure on politicians to pass legislation protecting these fundamental rights. This pressure has led to some progress being made, such as allowing same-sex couples to register civil partnerships since 2015. Additionally, there are now laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education and healthcare services.

Despite this progress, however, many people remain opposed to full equality for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These opponents often hold deeply conservative views about relationships and gender roles or cite religious beliefs about homosexuality being a sin. Furthermore, this opposition often manifests itself through public protests or campaigns against policies granting the LGBTQ+ community further protections under the law.

The Greek government is relatively slow in responding to these issues even though it faces increasing public pressure from citizens and organizations alike. Civil society members have often criticized them for not doing enough or not acting quickly enough on matters concerning LGBTQ rights - such as introducing marriage equality or broader anti-discrimination measures - but despite this criticism some positive steps are being taken by lawmakers in order to better protect their citizens’ human rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Overall, this article seeks to provide an overview of the state of LGBTQ rights in Greece today - including both its successes and shortcomings - so that you can gain a better understanding of where things stand with regards to LGBTQ rights across the country.

What Is The Current Status Of LGBTQ Rights In Greece?

In recent years, Greece has made significant progress on LGBTQ rights.

A growing number of organizations and groups are working tirelessly to raise public awareness on this issue and push for legislative change.

However, despite increasing support, many people are still opposed to equality for LGBTQ+ people.

The Greek government, meanwhile, is relatively slow to act even though it is now facing growing pressure from the public.

Here is a brief overview of the situation for LGBTQ rights in Greece:

A Non-Discrimination Law

Greece has laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and hate speech.

Antiparos island in the Cyclades in Greece.

Greece has some of the most protective laws for LGBTQ+ individuals in Europe.

In 2005, Greece became one of the first countries to pass a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. This law was then strengthened in 2016 to also ban discrimination based on gender identity.

The law applies to all areas of life, including employment, education, and housing.

In addition, hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity is also banned in the country.

Greece Passes Law To Improve Rights Of Transgender People

Greece has made significant strides in recent years to improve the lives of transgender people.

The transgender flag.

In 2017, the Greek parliament passed a law allowing transgender people to legally change their gender identity.

This was a major breakthrough that helped create a more inclusive society.

It shows that the government is starting to accept transgender people more.

Marriage Equality In Greece

Greece legalized civil partnerships for same-sex couples in December 2015, but the fight for the right to marry is far from over.

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A survey conducted in 2022 showed that 51.7% of Greeks are in favor of same-sex marriage, demonstrating significant public support for the legalization of marriage equality.

Two main obstacles:

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Currently, two main obstacles stand in the way of marriage equality in Greece.

  • The first is the Greek Orthodox Church, which opposes same-sex marriage on religious grounds.
  • The second obstacle is the Greek government, which has been slow to act on this issue despite growing public support.

Despite these obstacles, LGBTQ+ Greeks continue to fight for their right to marry.

Many organizations and groups are working tirelessly to raise public awareness on this issue and pressure for legislative change.

Thanks to ongoing public pressure and activism, there is hope that marriage equality will one day become a reality in Greece.

Greece Becomes The Last Country To Ban "Conversion Therapy"

"Conversion Therapy": What Is It?

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"Conversion therapy," also known as "reparative therapy," is a controversial practice that claims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

These so-called therapies are based on the false premise that LGBTQ+ people are somehow "flawed" or "broken" and need to be "fixed."

In reality, "conversion therapy" is not only ineffective, but it is also extremely harmful.

Why "Conversion Therapy" Is Dangerous

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Furthermore, "conversion therapy" is both physically and mentally harmful.

Psychological damage can include a wide range of symptoms:

  • Mild anxiety
  • Depression
  • Severe suicidal thoughts

These so-called "therapies" have been discredited by every major medical and mental health association.

Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth who undergo "conversion therapy" are more than eight times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers who do not undergo these discredited practices.

Greece Joins The Fight Against "Conversion Therapy"

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On May 11, 2022, Greece became the last country to ban "conversion therapy."

The newly enacted law prohibits psychologists and other medical professionals from practicing "conversion therapy" without the explicit consent of the person involved.

Greece's decision to ban "conversion therapy" is a major victory in the fight against this harmful practice.

By passing this law, Greece is sending a strong message of support for LGBTQ+ people both inside and outside the country.

This law will help protect vulnerable people from being subjected to these dangerous and discredited practices.

See our article on the "conversion therapies" ban in Greece.

Read More >>

Executive Summary

LGBTQ+ rights in Greece have come a long way in recent years, with the legalization of civil partnerships in 2015 and a ban on "conversion therapy" in 2022.

Despite this progress, there is still a long way to go before full marriage equality is achieved.

The Greek Orthodox Church continues to oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds, and the Greek government is slow to act on the issue.

However, there is hope that things will change with continued public pressure and activism. LGBTQ+ Greeks are becoming more visible and vocal in their fight for equality, and they are gaining allies both inside and outside of Greece. With time and persistence, it is hopeful that full marriage equality will eventually be achieved in Greece.

What do you think needs to be done for equal marriage to be legalized in Greece

Further Reading On LQIOO.com: LGBTQ rights have come a long way in recent years, but there is still a long way to go. In many countries around the world, members of the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination and violence. That's why it's so imperative to keep fighting for equality. And that's why we're excited to continue our series of blogs on LGBTQ rights around the world. If you're curious to learn more about the situation for LGBTQ+ people in countries around Greece, be sure to check out our blog on LGBTQ rights in Hungary.

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Tuesday, 23 April 2024