Optimism same-sex bill will get over line

With the countdown to the submission of the government's bill on same-sex marriage having already begun, Kathimerini understands that of ruling New Democracy's 158 lawmakers, 94 are already moving toward voting in favor, 22 against, while nine expect that they will abstain. Of the 33 that remain undecided, 17 rule out a vote against and say they are wavering between voting for and abstaining, which makes the government optimistic that the number of ND MPs voting in favor will exceed 110.

Meanwhile the government rejected Archbishop Ieronymos' remarks that a referendum should not be ruled out, citing the separation of powers, and its determination to honor its pre-election pledges on the issue.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stressed that "rights issues are not resolved by referendums." "One cannot tell the Church when to speak and what to say. It has the right...