"No way, it's inconceivable. Besides, the human rights convention forbids it. When it talks about marriage it talks about a man and a woman. We are a country that respects traditions, respects human nature, and it's not possible, at least for this government and this ministry, to allow marriage," he said.The Minister appeared more flexible with civil partnerships which have been established in Greece but only for heterosexual couples.
"Our country has been condemned. There's a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which has condemned us for not recognising civil partnerships. It's a reality and we cannot turn a blind eye," the minister said, adding he has set up a committee to reform some aspects of family law and civil partnerships will be one of them.
"The problem is, what are the consequences of the partneship. Do we limit ourselves to social security, pension and inheritance rights? Do we go as far as adoptions, custodies etc? It's not a simple issue. Out country has structures - from a religious, political and social point of view. How far will it go?" he said.
Source: Mega TV