What the government answers in the church - "We will protect individual rights"

New episode in the troubled government-church relations on the basis of the bill of the Ministry of Justice on gender identity that is expected to pass in the coming days in the House. "The views and positions of the Church submitted to the public debate are fully respected," the government replied today, in the harsh accusation of the hierarchs of the Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos.

He noted, however, that "the government, with its generosity and always through the dialogue, continues to seek the protection of the civil rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion, origin, sex and sexual orientation."

With this intervention, the government seeks to cover political MPs and STYRISA executives who blame the church for dogmatism or even "jihadist treatment," as Nikos Filis noted. 

It is recalled that the bill has been passed in principle to the Committee on Public Administration, Public Order and Justice.

In support of the bill, SYRIZA, Democratic Compatriation, ANEL and River, were proposed, while ND. reserved for plenary. Reservations were expressed by the Union of Centers, while Golden Dawn and KKE voted against.