The Greek parliament will vote later this month on civil partnerships for same-sex couples

Since 2008, civil patnerships exist in Greece but they explicitly exclude same-sex couples.

In 2013, Greece was condemned by the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that it should not have excluded same-sex couples.

In October of this year, the Greek Ministry of Justice, Transparency, and Human Rights proposed a new law that would recognise same-sex civil partnerships for the first time in Greece.

The vote comes despite strong opposition from the Green Orthodox Church. Aso, despite being in a coalition with the Syriza party, the Independent Greeks (ANEL) party has said it will vote against the measure.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he hopes to gain support for the move from socialist and centrist parties, in order to counter ANEL’s position.

A Civil Partnership would offer full marriage rights to same-sex couples but not allow them to adopt children.

The ministry said a discussion about whether same-sex couples can adopt will take place in the future.

In addition to the partnerships, it was announced that a national Council Against Racism and Intolerance would be introduced.