Italy approves same-sex civil unions

(Image credit: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images)

last updated 12 May 2016

On Wednesday, the lower house of Italy's Parliament gave final approval to a bill that legalizes same-sex unions, sending the legislation to President Sergio Mattarella — in Italy, the presidency is largely ceremonial, and such signatures are usually a formality. The vote, 372 to 51 with 99 abstentions, is a victory for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and for Italian gays and lesbians, years after most other Western countries legalized same-sex unions or marriage. Italy's law does not allow same-sex marriage or the adoption of the biological offspring of someone's same-sex partner, but it does grant access to public housing for all unmarried couples, gay or straight.

Italy first proposed legalizing same-sex unions 30 years ago, and "the Italian population is ready for this," sociologist Chiara Saracenos tells The New York Times. “The Italian population metabolized the recognition of same-sex couples some time ago," but Italian lawmakers "have always lagged behind when it comes to family issues." The Vatican opposed the new law; gay rights proponents vowed to push ahead for greater civil rights.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.