Greek Supreme Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption

The Greek Council of State (ΣτΕ), the country's supreme administrative court, has ruled that same-sex marriage and adoption are constitutional, stating that "the traditions of the Church are not affected."

The ΣτΕ's plenary session decided that Law 5089/2024 is constitutional and in accordance with the principles of respect for human dignity, free development of personality, and equality before the law, as well as the principles of the ECHR and EU law.

Specifically, the plenary session ruled that recognizing the right of same-sex married couples to adopt a minor child does not violate the constitutional protection of childhood and the best interests of the child.

Regarding the right of same-sex couples to enter into civil marriage, the ΣτΕ ruled that the institutions of marriage and family are subject to evolution and redefinition and that their constitutional protection does not prevent the legislator from enacting amendments to the rules governing their operation.

The ΣτΕ's decision rejects an application for annulment filed by associations and a company against the decision of the Minister of Interior to adapt the way the details of spouses and parents are recorded in marriage and birth certificates.

However, a minority of 6 State councilors expressed dissenting views, arguing that the relevant provisions are contrary to the Constitution and that no special studies have been taken into account on the long-term impact on the development of children growing up in same-sex families.