Italian senate passes watered-down bill recognising same-sex civil unions

[Eugene]

Source: The Guardian

Italian senate passes watered-down bill recognising same-sex civil unions

Prime minister Matteo Renzi had to remove a provision that would have granted
some adoption rights to gay people in order to secure enough support

Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome
Thursday 25 February 2016 19.48 GMT

Italy has taken a step towards joining every other major country in western Europe with the passage of a landmark civil unions bill in the senate that will give legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time in Italian history.

The bill overcame staunch opposition from the Roman Catholic church and last-minute political manoeuvring by opponents of the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, that nearly derailed the legislation.

While it was the first significant win for gay rights following years of failed attempts, Thursday’s developments were nevertheless greeted as a hollow victory by many LGBT activists because the bill was watered down days before its passage.

The legislation passed by the senate – in an overwhelming 173-71 vote – will allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions that provide legal rights similar to those of married couples.

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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/feb/25/italy-passes-watered-down-bill-recognising-same-sex-civil-unions

[RKP5637]

1. Excellent! It's certainly a good step toward full equality! n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

2. My husband's cousin

Was an "aye" vote on this.