Gay Civil Union Motion Passes Italy’s Lower House Of Parliament

Italy’s Lower House of Parliament passes a motion on civil unions on the heels of Ireland’s marriage equality vote.

When Ireland passed its same-sex marriage referendum last month, they did so with a whopping 62 percent “Yes” vote, and became the thirteenth European Union country to recognize marriage equality. All eyes quickly turned to socially conservative Italy as the politicians in that country put the legal recognition of same-sex relationships on the fast track.

“What joy,” Roberto Speranza, leader of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s centre-left Democratic Party, said in response to Ireland’s vote. “Now it is Italy’s turn.”

The Telegraph also quoted Italian Democratic Senator Andrea Marcucci’s support for passing a civil union law. “The moment has arrived,” he said, “finally, to approve this before the summer’s end.” Well, it looks like Italy is right on track to do just that.

On Wednesday the Lower House of Italy’s Parliament passed a motion on gay civil unions. Many similar measures have been presented and rejected in the past, but Wednesday’s vote marks the first time a same-sex union motion was passed in the Lower House.

According to ANSA, the motion commits the government “to promote the adoption of a law on civil unions, particularly with regard to the condition of the people of same sex,” and to ”ensure equal treatment throughout the nation.”

The Catholic Church has historically been against same-sex unions, and according to the Pew Research Center, 83 percent of the country’s population identify as Catholic. Pope Francis has been seen as a liberal leader though, and has shown signs of being less aggressive towards the LGBT community. “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

While the Pope is still against same-sex marriage, he seems to be open to recognizing same-sex relationships in some form. The Huffington Post quotes him as saying, “matrimony is between a man and a woman,” but moves to “regulate diverse situations of cohabitation (are) driven by the need to regulate economic aspects among persons, as for instance to assure medical care.” The Pope has yet to release a statement on the civil union measure.

Yesterday, Greece also introduced a bill that would extend insurance, taxation, and inheritance rights to gay couples. That country’s bill will be voted on in July and is expected to pass without difficulty. 

 

Editor’s note: The title of this article has been updated to read “motion,” instead of “bill.” 

Image by cristian via Flickr and a CC license