Worldfocus: State of Gay Marriage in Greece

Homosexuality dates back thousands of years in Ancient Greece, where same-sex relationships were well known - even among the gods. The word “lesbian” also comes from the island of Lesbos, where Sappho wrote some of her love lyrics to other women.

But today in Greece, gay rights are not as accepted.

• The amendment of the anti-discrimination law 927/1979 which should be expanded to other forms of discrimination generated by the sexual orientation and gender identity of an individual
• The annulment of article 347 of penal code which penalizes male prostitution (which is not the case for the female prostitution) and introduce higher ages of consent for same sex activity compared to opposite sex activity
• The provision of asylum to asylum seekers persecuted in their countries of origin because of their sexual orientation
• The decriminalization of homosexuality where such legislation remains and review of all legislation which could result in the discrimination, prosecution, and punishment of people solely for their sexual orientation or gender identity
• The equal civil recognition of same sex relationships

Johnson describes how an increase in worldwide gay and lesbian rights movements have also created a backlash and an even stronger anti-gay movement.

He also talks about the few countries that allow gay marriage and addresses where it is most difficult to live as a member of the LGBT community.