Mainstreaming anti-LGBTQ politics in Greece? Far-right policies, and their impact on governmental decisions

Since 2000, the far-right has reacted more strictly to the integration of LGBTQI people into society, especially regarding their ability to get married and adopt children. By reflecting their traditional worldview regarding the Christian family’s structure, the far-right positions masculinity as the society’s core, an ingredient of the nation’s identity. Moreover, due to masculinity’s significance, LGBTQI people are often described as ‘ill’ or ‘anti-Christian’. By sketching the surface of the relationship between the far-right and LGBTQI communities, I am moving to the Greek case. Since 2012 and the electoral rise of the Golden Dawn, such policies have been at the top of the Greek far-right’s agenda. After 2019, new political actors have appeared in the far-right, pointing to the significance of defending Christian values and the problem of low birth rate. Therefore, mixing ideas regarding family’s and religion’s significance, along with their rejection of any sexual minority, far-right parties have made the front page of the Greek news numerous times. Considering such an achievement, I question their impact on the governmental decisions in Greece, as the discussion regarding LGBTQI marriage has been highlighted again. Moreover, I will frame whether we are witnessing a mainstreaming of anti-LGBTQI politics in Greece or an attempt to remain a marginalised yet significant topic. To answer my questions, I will focus on the period after 2019, as the New Democracy’s government has a controversial approach to the topic, offering ground to the far-right parties.