The new law that allows same-sex couples to become foster parents denies certain children the right to grow in a normal family environment,” the Holy Synod of the Greek Church said on Thursday, criticizing the government for introducing the law.

The Holy Synod “is once again registering its strong opposition to the state’s choice to deny certain children the right to develop in a natural family environment with model father and mother figures. (…) Unfortunately, ‘political correctness’ won against the natural order of things and the child’s interests,” it said.

The draft law, introduced by the Labor Ministry and passed by Parliament on Thursday, allows the fostering of children by couples of the same sex who have signed a civil partnership agreement. It does not allow same-sex couples to adopt.