For rights campaigner in Greece, same-sex marriage recognition follows decades of struggle
Years before starting a family of her own, Stella Belia was already waging a tireless campaign for legal recognition
By DEREK GATOPOULOS
Published - Feb 13, 2024, 12:10 AM ET
Last Updated - Feb 13, 2024, 12:10 AM EST
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Years before starting a family of her own, Stella Belia was already waging a tireless campaign for legal recognition. Her fight may finally be over this week – a few months shy of her twin boys’ 17th birthday.
Greek lawmakers are expected to legalize same-sex marriage in a parliament vote Thursday, with a rare display of cross-party collaboration.
Approval would make Greece the first Orthodox Christian country to take that step, clearing multiple legal hurdles for gay couples who already have or want to have children.
“I’ve been fighting for this ever since I figured out who I was,” says Belia, a 57-year-old drama teacher with a gruff voice and an easy laugh.
