Taking a step forward in favor of civil rights and individual liberties. This is the meaning of the national demonstration organized in Rome The February 14, 2004 from Arcigay.
There is a law, the PACS, Civil Solidarity Pact, introduced by over 160 MPs, which has the support of numerous associations, groups, unions, and political parties; tens of thousands of Italian citizens have already signed a popular petition calling for the law's approval.
The PACS is a contract concluded between two adults to organize the personal and financial relationships of their joint life. It's not just for gay peopleIt is a tool that can also be accessed by opposite-sex couples who do not wish to get married but prefer a more streamlined and flexible regulation for their relationship.
For gays and lesbians it would represent the first form of legal recognition of their unions. This law imposes no obligation on de facto couples who do not wish to enter into any legal relationship: the PACS is an additional opportunity for everyone, not an obligation for anyone. Caring for your partner in hospital, participating in decisions regarding his or her health and life, and leaving your assets to the person with whom you have shared your life without the burdensome tax burdens imposed on a stranger are some of the opportunities, currently denied, that the new law would introduce.
We too support this battle, we are joining the demonstration on February 14th and we invite everyone to participate in the Kiss 2 PACS, the collective kiss that thousands of couples will perform during the demonstration to symbolize the need to recognize the freedom to love in our country.
