Calls for same-sex marriage at Pride in Rome

Thousands of people have taken part in Rome’s annual Gay Pride parade this weekend, amidst growing calls for the Italian government to introduce same-sex marriage.

As Roma Pride snaked around the historic surrounds of the Italian capital, there was a renewed sense of politicism to the proceedings, as Italy is now the only country in Western Europe not to allow same-sex marriage or civil unions of any sort.

The issue is controversial in Italy, particularly because of its strong ties to the Vatican, but following Ireland’s historic vote for same-sex marriage last month, there is a sense that a tide is turning in even the most traditionally conservative Catholic countries.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is preparing to present legislation that would allow civil unions but not full marriage.  Earlier this week Italy’s Lower House of Parliament approved a motion same-sex civil unions which was promoted by Renzi’s Democratic Party (PD). The motion commits the government “to promote the adoption of a law on civil unions, particularly with regard to the condition of the people of same sex.”