Recognition of gay unions in Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Notwithstanding a long history of legislative proposals for civil unions in Italy, neither civil unions nor same-sex marriage are recognised under Italian law. Several regions have formally supported efforts for national law on civil unions and some municipalities have passed laws providing for civil unions. While some of these do provide real benefits they are mostly of symbolic value.
During the 2006 electoral campaign, the then leader of the opposition Romano Prodi promised to give legal rights to de-facto couples if elected.[1] Mr. Prodi's left-of-centre coalition subsequently gained power and in February 2007 the government approved a draft bill to recognise domestic partnerships under the name DIritti e doveri delle persone stabilmente COnviventi (DICO) (English: Rights and duties of stable co-habitants). The bill proposed to give unmarried couples (including same-sex couples) health and social welfare benefits, and provide an entitlement to inherit after a couple has been living together for at least nine years.[2] The bill faced considerable opposition from the catholic Church[3], and in the Senate from the majority of the right wing opposition and from certain elements within Mr. Prodi's fractious coalition. The bill was therefore eventually stopped from reaching the floor for a vote.
Later in the year, the DICO bill was merged with other civil union proposals and the Senate's Judiciary Committee had been discussing a new draft known as CUS (Contratto di Unione Solidale, Solidary Union Contract). Nevertheless, in February 2008 an early election was called, thus dissolving the incumbent Parliament. Therefore, all pending legislation died in committee and will need to be resubmitted to the new Parliament.
Contents |
[edit] Public opinion
During a protest on 13 January 2007, 50,000 gay rights activists, according to the police, protested in Vatican City in favour of the creation of a new law regulating same-sex unions.[1]
According to a poll in February 2007, 67% of Roman Catholics in Italy back the draft bill, and 80% of Italians say they support the law.[4] On the other hand, the Autumn 2006 Eurobarometer survey showed that only 31% of Italians think that same-sex marriages should be allowed throughout Europe and 24% are in favour of opening up adoption to same-sex couples. This is below the EU average of 44% and 32% respectively. [5]
On 10 March 2007 there was a demonstration in Rome in favour of a the same-sex law in order to avoid it being forfeited by Mr Prodi so that he may govern again. Thousands of activists waved alarm clocks in the air, signalling it was high time for such a law. Some Government officials (such as Minister for Equal Opportunities, Ms Barbara Pollastrini, or Minister for Social Solidarity, Mr Paolo Ferrero) took part in the demonstration and were later criticized by Mr Prodi for their participation.[6]
On 12 March 2007 the Conference of Italian Bishops (CEI) staged another demonstration in Rome in favour of the traditional marriage. Police sources claim that about 800,000 people went to the demonstration, including some catholic Government ministers such as Clemente Mastella and Giuseppe Fioroni.[7]
On 16 June 2007, the yearly national Gay Pride was held in Rome and hit a record attendance of about 1,000,000 demonstrators. The Pride parade had a strong political flavour, as LGBT associations meant it to be a response to the above-mentioned Catholic demonstrations. [8]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Italians clash on gay 'marriage'", the British Broadcasting Corporation, 14 January 2006. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
- ^ Smith, Peter J.. "Italian Government Approves Bill to Recognize Civil Unions", LifeSite.net, 9 February 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
- ^ Gay Link Content. "Head of Italy's bishops speaks against same-sex unions", Gmax.co.za, 28 February 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
- ^ Espera, Troy. "Italian catholics say Vatican's same-sex marriage opposition goes too far", Gmax.co.za, 19 February 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
- ^ "EB66", Eurobarometer, December 2006. Retrieved on 2007-10-26.
- ^ "Miles de personas exigen a Prodi en Roma que regule las parejas de hecho", El Pais, 10 March 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-08. (Spanish)
- ^ Eternal Word Television Network: Blog - Joan's Rome by Joan Lewis
- ^ Gay Pride, Roma invasa: «Siamo un milione» - Corriere della Sera
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Disegno di legge S.1339 - Trattazione in Commissione Giustizia.
- Disciplina del patto civile di solidarietà e delle unioni di fatto (3296).
- Disposizioni in materia di istituzione del Registro delle unioni civili di coppie dello stesso sesso o di sesso diverso e di possibilità per le persone dello stesso sesso di accedere all'istituto del matrimonio (2982)
- Un Pacs avanti. Website of the "National campaign for the Pacs".
- Liff. Website of the Lega italiana famiglie di fatto.
- Proposta di legge di Franco Grillini ed altri del Patto civile di solidarietà e Unioni di fatto, 20 ottobre 2002. Never discussed in the Italian Parliament.
|
|||||||||||
