The potential leader of Italy's opposition party and former European Commission leader Romani Prodi has formally pledged to support civil unions for gay couples in Italy should he come to power.
Prodi, a staunch supporter of gay rights while leader of the E.C., wrote to the country's leading gay advocacy group citing his commitment to gay rights and legal recognition for partnerships.
The open pledge is sure to anger those who adhere to the country's Catholic roots, as well as the current government, which has been slow to show such open support for gay rights.
In the letter to Arcigay, Prodi said he would fight for civil unions for lesbian and gay couples.
It is thought these unions would be along the same lines as those offered elsewhere in Europe, but would not be the full marriage rights seen in Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Arcigay is, however, thought to support full marriage for same-sex couples.
Prodi is currently the favorite to win the first set of votes to be the leader of the centre-left coalition.
He is expected to then challenge the government at the next elections.
source :
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/09/15/4
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Friday, September 16th, 2005
Italy: Party leader promises civil unions
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