The Greek Council of State recognized same-sex marriage and adoption rights as legal

The Supreme Administrative Court of Greece (Council of State) officially confirmed the constitutionality of the extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples, as well as their right to adopt children. In its decision, the court emphasized that these legislative changes are in line with the spirit of the times and do not harm the traditions and canons of the Orthodox Church.

According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, the Plenum of the Court, in its decision No. 392/2026, rejected the petition to annul the relevant provisions of Law No. 5089/2024. The court ruled that the institutions of marriage and family “do not remain static and unchanging in time,” but are subject to evolution and redefinition. It noted that civil marriage is a purely state institution and does not affect the rules of the Church’s sacraments, which remain in the hands of the Church and the conscience of the faithful.

An important part of the ruling was the recognition of the right of same-sex couples to adopt. The State Council found that this “does not violate the constitutional protection of childhood and the best interests of the child.” The judges emphasized that the adoption process is already protected by strict safeguards, including social service checks and judicial review, to ensure the welfare of minors in every case, regardless of the gender or orientation of the parents.

The decision was adopted by majority vote, but a dissenting minority opinion was also recorded in the text. The opponents insisted that the historical and cultural understanding of marriage in Greece implies a union between a man and a woman, and that the previously introduced cohabitation contract was sufficient to protect the rights of same-sex couples. Nevertheless, the final ruling recognized the law as compliant with the principles of equality, human dignity and European human rights standards.

Recall, the Association of Orthodox Clergy of Greece (ISKE) issued an official statement condemning the decision of the Council of State to recognize the legality of same-sex unions and the possibility of adoption of children by them. Representatives of the Hellenic Orthodox Church emphasized that such legislative changes undermine the traditional foundations of society and ignore the centuries-old religious traditions of the country.