(see related)A cabinet
undersecretary on Wednesday appeared to deny reports that
Premier Matteo Renzi's government is at work on a gay civil
unions bill.
"I have no record of a government bill on civil unions
between gays, but the premier has been saying for a while that
he wants German-style civil partnerships (in Italy)," Ivan
Scalfarotto told ANSA.
People should not view such a bill as a privilege for a
minority, he added.
"Gay people can't choose between marriage and cohabitation
while heterosexuals can," Scalfarotto pointed out.
Gay activists and some MPs earlier welcomed reports that
the Renzi administration is at work on a bill legalizing gay
marriage and the adoption of children by the non-biological
parent within the couple.
The bill reportedly to be presented to the cabinet by the
end of the month would de facto legalize gay marriage in all but
name.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
