Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Tuesday that the vote on the extension of civil partnerships to same-sex couples closes a period of backwardness and shame for the Greek state. Speaking during the debate in Greek Parliament on the draft bill that will allow same-sex partnerships, he said:“With the legalization of civil partnership for same-sex couples, a cycle of backwardness and shame for the Greek state is closing. (It is one) of denial and marginalization of a large part of our fellow citizens, who were not allowed to live together with their partner and enjoying basic rights and which led the Greece to convictions by the European Court of Human Rights.”

The premier told Greek lawmakers that this day is “not befitting celebrations but of an apology” to the people who until now lacked human rights enjoyed by other citizens in countries with advanced legal systems. He pointed to citizens’ rights “to stand on an equal footing to human suffering before the law.”

“This bill should have passed years ago, and maybe even months ago, as far as our government is concerned,” he said, prior to the voting of the bill on Tuesday evening.