Law allowing cremation passed by the Greek parliament

Policy Response DateMarch 15, 2006 Country: Greece Address: Athens General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Religious intolerance
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants, Muslims, Religious minorities, Majority Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Culture

A new law (Act 3448/2006, Art. 35, FEK  57 A', 15.03.2006) was passed by the parliament, allowing for the first time people to be cremated rather than burried. The Greek Orthodox Church has until now opposed cremation, describing it as a violation of the human body. The governing and the main opposition parties all voted in favour of the bill, which means that the country's first crematoria can now be built. However, the law does not go as far. It will only apply to those whose religion allows cremation, therefore, the minority of the population who are not Orthodox Christians.

Source:

dsanet.gr, 15.03.2006, http://www.poeota.gr/_download/N.3448-2006.pdf