The Greek justice minister has been widely criticised for condemning same-sex marriage, saying it would not be possible in the country because its citizens “respect traditions” and “human nature”.

Haralambos Athanasiou, who has been the Minister for Justice since 2013, made the comments in an interview with Mega TV.

“I won’t discuss it, I can’t conceive of it,” he said.

“Besides, the convention of human rights forbids it. When it speaks about marriage it speaks [of marriage] between a man and woman. We are a country that respects traditions, respects human nature, and it’s not possible at least with this government and this ministry, to permit marriage.”

Referring to demands from the European Court of Human Rights that Greece must recognise same-sex unions, he said: “It’s a little dangerous to simply speak of civil unions. The matter is not easy. The problem is what are the consequences going to be … are we going to go as far as talking about adoption [by gay couples] next?”

The same month as Strasbourg ruled that Greece must recognise same-sex couples, the country announced it would include gay and lesbian couples in its cohabitation law.