The Orthodox Church in Corfu, Greece, excommunicated two members of parliament last Tuesday due to their support of a bill that authorised same-sex marriage in the country. The bill was passed in February.
Following their General Priest Assembly on Tuesday, the diocese of Corfu issued a statement preventing the two barred members of parliament from partaking in any church events or sacraments. The reason cited for this decision was the politicians’ endorsement for legalizing same-sex marriage, which is contrary to the church’s official stance.
The legislation, endorsed by a majority of 176 votes, introduces a slew of changes. It amends the civil code to facilitate marriage regardless of gender and promises to safeguard same-sex couples against discrimination in sectors such as education. Furthermore, it modifies labor, social insurance, and civil service laws to extend benefits to same-sex spouses and parents. It also acknowledges same-sex marriages and parental relationships formed overseas.
The diocese of Corfu is the third in Greece to react this way towards the bill, joining Pirayus and Kythira, that also allegedly excommunicated members of parliament for the same ground. Despite the controversy, the bill has been admired across the globe for making Greece the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage.