Rome Nixes Gay Partner Registry

Rome Nixes Gay Partner Registry

Rome Nixes Gay Partner Registryby 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: December 18, 2007 - 5:00 pm ET
(Rome) Rome's city council has rejected a proposal for a domestic partner registry for same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who cannot or chose not to marry.
The plan was introduced by Rome's left-of-center coalition government.
It would have allowed couples to sign a register at the city clerk's office and be recognized in the limited areas over which the city has control - such as hospital visitation rights and reduced family rates at municipal recreation centers.
The right-of-center opposition opposed the measure saying the city did not have the power to "redefine the family".
The register was vehemently opposed by the Vatican.
The opposition also mustered enough votes to defeat a motion calling on the federal government to pass legislation recognizing same-sex couples.
Earlier this year the federal cabinet approved the civil partnership bill in a stormy special meeting (story) but with deep cracks in the coalition government Premier Romano Prodi put the issue on the back burner and it has not been submitted to Parliament.
Prodi had been a supporter of moderate rights for same-sex couples since July, 2005 when he met with gay activists, but he opposes gay marriage. (story)
He also has voiced his support for revamping hate crimes and reassignment surgery.
Five LGBT candidates were elected to the Italian parliament last year - all members of the center-left - including the first transsexual to win national election in Italy. (story)
The left has been amalgamating in advance of elections expected next year. Earlier this year the two largest center-left blocks united forming the Democratic Party, naming Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni as its head. Veltroni supports limited rights for same-sex couples had advocated for the Rome registry. He was not, however, present when the city council voted on the proposal.
©365Gay.com 2007