LGBTQ Legal Status
The history of LGBT rights in Greece stands out as a unique case in the Balkans. While the Greek Orthodox Church has historically wielded significant influence, holding back social reforms compared to Western Europe, Greece recently became the first Orthodox Christian country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
Here is the historical overview of the legalization of homosexuality and gay rights in Greece.
Phase I: Decriminalization & The "Article 347" Era (1834–2005)
After gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire, Greece initially adopted strict laws, but decriminalization occurred relatively early compared to its neighbors.
1834: The first Penal Code of modern Greece is established, punishing sodomy with imprisonment.
1951: Decriminalization. A new Penal Code is ratified. It removes the ban on male homosexual acts (lesbianism was never explicitly criminalized).
However, the government introduces Article 347. This law created a discriminatory age of consent: 17 for male homosexual acts, while it was 15 for heterosexuals. It also criminalized "seduction" of men under 17 by an adult male, a provision frequently used by police to harass gay men.
2005: Under pressure from EU directives, Greece introduces its first Anti-Discrimination Law, prohibiting discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation.
Phase II: The "Tilos Weddings" & The Battle for Unions (2008–2015)
This period was defined by a legal and cultural tug-of-war. The government tried to create "straight-only" civil unions, leading to a humiliating defeat at the European Court of Human Rights.
2008 (The Tilos Weddings): In a famous act of civil disobedience, the Mayor of the island of Tilos, Anastasios Aliferis, agreed to marry two same-sex couples, exploiting a loophole in the civil marriage law that didn't specify gender.
The marriages were immediately annulled by the Supreme Court prosecutor and condemned by the Church, but the event galvanized the Greek LGBT movement.
2008: The government introduces Cohabitation Pacts, but explicitly restricts them to opposite-sex couples.
2013: ECHR Ruling. In the case Vallianatos and Others v. Greece, the European Court of Human Rights rules that excluding same-sex couples from civil unions violates the European Convention on Human Rights. Greece is ordered to pay damages and change the law.
2015 (December): Civil Unions & Age of Consent. To comply with the ruling, the Syriza government passes a law extending Cohabitation Pacts to same-sex couples.
Crucially, this law also abolished Article 347, finally equalizing the age of consent at 15 for everyone.
Phase III: Trans Rights & Family Recognition (2016–2023)
With civil unions secured, the focus shifted to transgender rights and the care of children, though full adoption remained blocked.
2016: The ban on blood donation by men who have sex with men is lifted (though restrictions remained).
2017: Legal Gender Recognition. The Legal Gender Recognition Act is passed.
It allows transgender people to change their legal gender on ID documents without the requirement of sterilization or medical surgery.
However, a court order is still required.
2018: Parliament passes a law allowing same-sex couples in civil partnerships to become foster parents (but not adoptive parents).
2022: Conversion Therapy Ban. The government bans "conversion therapies" for minors.
Phase IV: The Historic Marriage Vote (2024)
In a move that made global headlines, a conservative government (New Democracy), supported by leftist opposition parties, pushed through full equality despite intense opposition from the Church.
2024 (February 15): Marriage Equality Legalized. The Hellenic Parliament votes (176 to 76) to legalize same-sex marriage.
Greece becomes the first Orthodox Christian majority country to allow same-sex marriage.
Adoption: The law grants full joint adoption rights to same-sex couples.
Note: The law did not extend the right to use surrogacy to male couples (surrogacy in Greece remains reserved for women with medical inability to carry a child).
Historical Timeline
1951: Decriminalization of homosexuality (male acts).
2005: Anti-discrimination laws in employment enacted.
2008: "Straight-only" Civil Unions introduced (later ruled illegal).
2013: European Court rules Greece must recognize same-sex unions.
2015: Civil Unions legalized for same-sex couples.
2015: Age of consent equalized (Article 347 repealed).
2017: Legal Gender Recognition (Sterilization requirement removed).
2018: Foster care rights granted to same-sex couples.
2022: Conversion therapy banned for minors.
2024: Same-sex Marriage (and full adoption) legalized.
Travel Advice
Greece is generally safe for LGBTQ travelers, especially in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Mykonos is particularly famous as a gay destination. Athens Pride is growing. Some rural areas may be conservative.
