Italian MPs Vote in Favour of same-sex civil unions.




The Italian Parliament has voted in favour of same-sex civil unions. 

Italy is the last country in Western Europe to offer civil partnerships to gay couples. 

 In 2015 it faced criticism from the European Court of Human Rights for a lack of LGBT inclusive laws.

This latest law change is the result of three decades of campaigning by LGBT groups. 

Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, faced intense opposition from the Roman Catholic Church, the far-right and even members of his own party in getting the law through.

Italy struggles to pass same-sex laws

Italian Senate to Debate Same-Sex Unions

Italian Senate Delays Debate on Same-Sex Unions

Italian Senate Passes Same-Sex Unions Law

Despite this, The Economist reported that the vote passed with 372 voting in favour, 51 against and 99 abstaining.  

Civil unions will allow couples to:
  • Apply for public housing together

  • Take each other’s surname

  • Inherit assets 

  • Receive a deceased partner’s pension 
A gay person will not, however, be allowed to adopt the biological children of his or her partner. 


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