Estonia, January 2, 2024
Photo: thepinknews.com
As of New Year’s Day, gay marriage is legal in Estonia, making it the first ex-Soviet state to make this move.
Ignoring the call of the country’s leading religious communities, the Estonian Parliament voted to legalize gay marriage 
Estonia ignores churches, becomes first ex-Soviet state to legalize gay marriageThe Estonian Council of Churches issued a statement in favor of traditional marriage last week, but its voice was not heard.
“>in June, setting it to come into force on January 1.
The draft bill passed its first reading on May 22, and on June 20, 55 members of the Riikigkogu voted in favor of it, 34 against, and 1 abstained.
In addition to benefits concerning property, housing, and inheritance, the new law also allows for a same-sex spouse to adopt his spouse’s child with the consent of the biological parents, who maintain primary rights.
Both Orthodox jurisdictions in Estonia (Moscow and Constantinople) 
Orthodox jurisdictions in Estonia protest gay marriage billOn May 15, the government of Estonia approved a draft law on amendments to the Family Law and other related laws that has now been submitted to the Parliament for discussion. According to the bill, the law will no longer stipulate that marriage is between a man and a woman.
“>issued statements in defense of marriage in May after the government initially approved the draft law, followed by a statement from the Estonian Council of Churches, including the Orthodox jurisdictions, 
Estonian Council of Churches supports traditional marriage as parliament prepares to vote on gay marriage billThe statement comes as the parliament prepares to vote on a bill that could make Estonia the first ex-Soviet state to legalize gay marriage.”>in June.
The Church in Greece is currently fighting the same battle. The government 
Greek government says it stands by same-sex marriage pledge even after opposition from the ChurchThe legislation would be brought to parliament during the house’s current term, which ends in 2027.
“>recently declared that it intends to legalize gay marriage despite the protests of the 
Greek Holy Synod against gay marriage and gay adoptionThe Holy Synod of the Church of Greece came out with a statement today addressing the ongoing scandal surrounding the possibility of legalized gay marriage in Greece.”>Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, 
Greek hierarchs react to gay marriage billGreece’s New Democracy government is finalizing a bill that aims to legalize same-sex marriage and regulate the recognition of same-sex marriages that took place abroad.”>individual hierarchs, and the monastic community of 
Mt. Athos: We are opposed to any form of marriage that contradicts the GospelAmidst the controversy surrounding the Greek government’s proposal to legalize gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, the Holy Mountain has raised its voice.”>Mt. Athos.
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