Italian government plans to establish civil unions over bishops' opposition
October 19, 2015
Two leading Catholic prelates in Italy voiced their opposition to legislation that would recognize civil unions for unmarried couples.
Cardinal Agostin Vallini, the vicar of the Rome diocese, said that existing law was adequate to protect the legal rights of unmarried partners, and added that the registration of civil unions would bring up the “delicate” question of allowing adoption by same-sex couples.
Bishop Nunzio Galantino, the secretary-general of the Italian bishops’ conference, referred to the proposal as “cockeyed policy.” He said: “It’s inconceivable that the government is spending so much energy on these special kinds of unions, and traditional families, which should be pillar of society, are being set aside.
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has indicated his determination to drive through the legislation, and analysts say that the government has enough support to ensure passage.
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