We're thrilled to announce that the proposed law on same-sex couples, to which our esteemed Of Counsel, Professor Katerina Fountedaki, played a pivotal role, habeen upvoted in parliament! This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting inclusivity in our society.

After the voting, we had the privilege to sit down with Professor Katerina Fountedaki, for a short conversation. Here is what she said:

1. Why is the new legislation on same-sex couples so important for Greece?

Greece is the first Orthodox Christian country to establish marriage equality. The reform is similar in importance to that of 1982-1983, which recognized civil marriage and equality between men and women.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you in the process of drafting the legislation?

I could not have imagined the publicity the issue would receive or the amount of time and effort it would take. We were very focused on making sure that there would be no mistakes in such a serious issue. Instead, the legal arguments against marriage equality were very weak and I was not tired of countering them, but I did get tired of them being repeated in the debate.

3. On a personal level do you feel that your incremental contribution to this legislation has been the most fulfilling, the 'highlight' moment in your legal career? And if so why?

In my career I have done harder things, I have had to overcome obstacles and difficulties. What is certain is that my contribution to marriage equality has been an experience immensely fullfilling. On the one hand, we (the team that worked on the project) "made history." On the other hand (and I saw this the night the law was passed), many people felt happy and liberated in their own lives. It was deeply moving.

Congratulations to Professor Katerina Fountedaki and all those involved in this important initiative for their dedication and hard work! Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking legislation.