Italians clash over gay marriage

THE SUN, 14.01.06: Gay rights activists are set to stage a demonstration in Rome later on Saturday in support of same-sex marriage. A magistrate will celebrate "weddings" for 10 same-sex couples, though the ceremony is symbolic rather than legal. The move has been denounced by Pope Benedict XVI, who says gay marriage will "obscure the value and function of the legitimate family". Gay marriage - illegal in Italy - has become an important issue ahead of forthcoming general elections.

The Pope dismissed gay marriage, saying it was "a serious mistake to obfuscate the value and functions of the legitimate family based on marriage by attributing legal recognition to other forms of legal union for which there is no real social demand". The Vatican newspaper came out with an editorial denouncing the planned gay wedding ceremony, to be held in the centre of Rome, as a provocation. But gay rights activists hit back with a statement which read: "What a pity the Pope has not taken advantage of the occasion to affirm that Christianity means love and acceptance of all people.""The Pope has closed the door, but in any case history does not stop at the gate of St Peter's," it added. Gay marriage and the legalisation of cohabitation arrangements between unwed couples of the same or the opposite sex has become a political hot potato in Italy. Italy's left-wing opposition has said it will change the law if it wins the April general election to allow common-law partners of opposite sexes to obtain legal recognition of their unions, but it stopped short of proposing to allow gays and lesbians to wed.

The leader of the left, Romano Prodi, who could become Italy's next prime minister if Silvio Berlusconi is defeated in the general election, is caught in an awkward dilemma. He and his wife are practising Catholics and are under pressure from the Church to uphold traditional Catholic family teaching and values. Gay unions are already legal in several European countries, including traditionally Catholic Spain. Last month Britain introduced a law allowing same-sex couples to formalise their relationships.

THE MIRROR, 18.01.06.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 997