In a landmark ruling, the Greek Council of State (Supreme Administrative Court) has deemed the legalization of same-sex marriage and the subsequent right to adoption as constitutional, as reported by Efimerida ton Syntakton on May 30. The decision, made by the Grand Plenary on Friday, rejected appeals for annulment filed by three associations dedicated to supporting traditional family structures and marriage based on Greek Orthodox values.
The court’s ruling affirms the constitutionality of Law 5089/2024, which, for the first time, extended civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in Greece. As a direct consequence, this law also grants adoption rights to married same-sex couples and those in registered partnerships. The case, deliberated on April 11, 2025, with Counselor of State Anastasia Papadimitriou as rapporteur, was finalized behind closed doors. President of the Council of State, Michalis Pikramenos, announced that the majority of the Plenary found the provisions of Law 5089/2024 to be in line with the Greek Constitution, specifically Articles 21 (protection of marriage, family, motherhood, and childhood) and 4 (equality).
This decision dismissed challenges against a February 20, 2024, ministerial decision by the Interior Minister, which regulated the recording of spousal and parental information on birth, marriage, and death certificates under the new law. The opposing associations, focused on safeguarding childhood and promoting family and procreation within the Orthodox tradition, had sought to overturn these changes. However, the court upheld the law’s alignment with constitutional principles of equality and family protection.
During the hearings, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) intervened in support of the contested provisions, reinforcing the progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights. This ruling marks a significant step forward for equality in Greece, affirming the legal recognition of same-sex unions and their right to build families through adoption.
Photo: Efimerida ton Syntakton