Greek clergy oppose adoption of children by same-sex "couples"

An illustrative image of child adoption in a same-sex "marriage" in Greece. Photo: Orthodoxia news agency

On March 23, 2026, the Union of Orthodox Clergy of Greece (ISKE), representing clerics of the Church of Greece, issued a strong statement in connection with the decision of the State Council, which confirmed the legality of same-sex "marriages" and the possibility of children adoption by such "couples," reports Orthodoxia news agency.

ISKE noted that, despite the secular nature of the state and its right to adopt corresponding laws, the decision of the highest judicial instance ignores the centuries-old religious and social traditions of the country, as well as the feelings of a significant part of Greek society.

Representatives of the clergy emphasized that such legislative initiatives, in their opinion, do not address the real challenges facing the country, including the demographic crisis and declining birth rates but rather adopt Western models that cause social division.

The statement also says that recognition of same-sex partnerships and expansion of their rights, including adoption, calls into question the traditional understanding of family and child-rearing, based on the union of a man and woman, and also raises questions about the rights of the children themselves and ethical aspects of surrogate motherhood.

ISKE expressed the conviction that such changes lack sufficient biological and social foundation and contradict the natural order, which, in the clergy's opinion, cannot be changed by legislative decisions.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Portugal banned gender change for minors.

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