Sunday, September 18, 2005

SSM in Italy? Yes! No! (Sorry.)


The former and hopeful Italian prime minister, Romano Prodi, has been dancing the Caught-Me. Last weekend he promised Arcigay activists he would fight for same-sex marriage or civil unions. This week he was humble to his family, the nation, and the Vatican. Didn't really mean it...

While nearby, also highly Roman Catholic, Spain has legalized SSM, Italian law not only does not allow common-law unions, it has no possible status for gay-rights in a domestic partnership. So, Prodi proposed to try to get unmarried couples (any gender) rights for medical consultation and visitation, inclusion in benefits plans, and inheritance.

Well, Benny's bullies were quick on the uptake. According to an article in the International Herald Tribune, the Vatican daily let him have it. Osservatore Romano wrote "that Prodi acted in 'search of votes' in an attempt to 'relativize and ideologize the reality of the family.' Avvenire, the newspaper reflecting the views of Italian bishops, warned Prodi: 'Hands off the family.'"

In addition, Prodi has several priests in his own family. Yet, he still states that Italy should not discriminate against homosexuals. It looks like it will be a long time before he, or anyone, will be able to do anything about that.

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