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(Rome) Italy's lower house will begin
looking at civil unions legislation in November. The House Justice Committee
will look at a number of proposals and wrap them together into a single bill the
AGI news service reports.
Center-left Prime Minister Romano Prodi promised
during this year's election campaign that he would bring in a civil unions bill,
prompting condemnation from the Vatican.
He repeated the promise shortly after his
election in April but nothing has been done until now.
The civil unions bill reportedly would be similar
to the civil partnership law in Britain and other EU countries. Unlike the
UK law it would include opposite-sex couples who have not married. There would
be a registry to sign. Partners would have to prove they had been together for a
set period of time. The length has not yet been determined.
The law would provide property and inheritance
rights for both partners in relationships and guarantee the right to make
medical decisions for each other.
Couples entering into a civil union would have to
show they are of legal age and not already married.
The committee will examine the various aspects
and then write a bill which would go to Parliament.
Prodi holds a slim majority and it is unclear how
far the bill would advance. One thing is clear it will be fought by the
center-right coalition and the Vatican.
Prodi has 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 - all members of the center-left - including the first transsexual to
win national election in Italy. (story)
©365Gay.com 2006
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