Gender bill puts more pressure on government

The fate of the gender identity bill that will be put to a vote on Tuesday in Parliament appeared to be hanging in the balance on Monday evening as MPs of the junior coalition partner joined opposition parties to voice their opposition. 

Dissenters from the coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), said their opposition to the bill, which aims to grant Greeks the right to decide their own gender identity, stems from the fact that this right will also be given to people as young as 15. 

And with New Democracy announcing it will vote against and Democratic Alignment on the verge of jumping ship as well, the government appeared to be on the ropes. 

To make matters worse for ruling SYRIZA, five of its lawmakers also raised objections to the bill despite meeting earlier in the day with Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis in a bid to bridge the gap. 

Prime...