Following overnight deliberation and debate, Italy PM Romano Prodi’s cabinet on Thursday approved legislation creating civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.Unmarried gay and straight couples can now register their union and receive some of the rights of married couples. Partners would have to prove they have been together for a set amount of time.The civil union legislation does not, however, match the UK’s all-encompassing civil partnership law, which grants all marriage rights.It would allow them to sign a civil registry and then share pensions, health insurance, enter into contracts, and acquire property and inheritance rights.
“It's the first time in the legislation of our country that people who live together, heterosexual or homosexual, will have their basic rights recognised, “ said Piero Fassino of the Left Democrats.“[The bill] allows the recognition of the rights of those who live together by making this cohabitation more serene and solid, and at the same time respecting the Italian constitution, which guarantees that the family is founded on marriage."
"In addition to health and social benefits, inheritance entitlements will be assured after partnerships lasting at least nine years and rental contracts will be protected after three years,” Equal Rights Minister Barbara Pollastrini said at a news conference.The new bill still faces an uncertain future as it must get through the Italian Parliament.
Although it is said to have majority support on the lower house of Parliament, it is unclear how much support it will have in the Senate.
Pope Benedict warned lawmakers last month to use all possible influence to defeat civil union legislation. "Projects aimed at granting improper legal recognition to forms of unions other [than traditional marriage] appear dangerous and counterproductive as they inevitably weaken and destabilise the legitimate family based on matrimony," the Pope told lawmakers.
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