Bakoyannis: The first marriage of a same-sex couple at the City Hall of Athens is late – News – news
The mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, sent his own message for the International Day Against Homophobia, emphasizing that “we want a city in which everyone is not the one he wants. An open city, an uncomplicated city, an inclusive city, a city of all for all “.
Speaking on an Athens 9.84 show, Mr. Bakoyannis said characteristically: “One might say: ‘Well, all this sounds a little distant, a little romantic.’ But do you know the truth? That this is the future, that comes with momentum. And historically, when you have a confrontation between the future and the past, the future wins. When you have a contrast between progress and maintenance, progress wins. And when you have a confrontation between light and darkness, light wins. So simple. That is what history has taught us. “
The mayor of Athens also referred to the pan-Hellenic campaign “Say Yes” for equality in marriage and childbearing, which he supports. “At every opportunity, I publicly express the expectation – and I believe that I interpret the majority of Athenians – that we will be able to succeed in the historic building of Kotzia Square, at the City Hall, to organize the first wedding of a same-sex couple. “I think it is a symbolic ‘passage’, which has been delayed and must be done immediately.”
At the same time, Mr. Bakoyannis argued that there is still a way to go on the issue of equality, stressing that important steps have already been taken by the state. “To be fair, a lot has been done in recent months. We have seen a number of legislative initiatives unfold, a number of moves that are substantial. They may not be the first to be featured on the site or on the radio or on television, but they are the ones who can make everyday life less unbearable. “They are the ones who can offer relief.”
“Yes to Pride”
Especially for the Athens Pride, which is being organized in Athens next month, the mayor of Athens said: “Obviously the” yes “of the municipality in Pride. It is a celebration of love, which always wins. Why can’t we recognize in each other the self we want? “Why not start by admitting that we owe each other our best selves and not our worst selves?” He stressed and added: “Change is always scary. The new can be scary. We are a society in transition but we are a society in transition, not so much outwards as inwards “.
The Psychological Support Line “11528 – NEXT TO YOU”
At noon, the mayor of Athens visited, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of Social Solidarity and Civil Society Mr. 1999. Katerina Gagaki, the space provided by the Municipality of Athens and hosts the scientific staff of the Psychological Support Line “115”.
The staff of the Line shared with him, difficulties and obstacles faced by LGBTQI + individuals, parents and teachers who address it, while the mayor assured them of his full support in the joint effort for an open and inclusive society. Earlier, during the interview, he referred to the important role of the Line “11528 – NEXT TO YOU” in supporting people suffering from the consequences of social exclusion.
“Someone who has difficulty with his environment, who has difficulty discovering himself, who may be bullied, may be a victim of physical or verbal abuse can hear us. We all know such children. We also know their families, we know the members of the educational community. In 11528, it is a line that the municipality of Athens has not made. I want to be clear. It has been made by wonderful representatives of civil society. We support it, taking it for granted. We provide housing with all the means at our disposal. If someone has an issue they want to discuss about gender, sexual identity, relationships with other people, they can call this Line anonymously and talk to specialist scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers. I really believe he will find the help he needs. “