Mantua. Co-married couples, appeal from Arcigay

On the occasion of the World Day Against Homophobia, which is celebrated on Thursday the 17th, Arcigay La Salamandra, in collaboration with the Article 3 Discrimination Observatory and with the patronage of the Province, is organizing a meeting to urge institutions to guarantee equal dignity and equal rights to de facto couples. The initiative is recognized by the National Anti-Discrimination Office of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. Cohabiting couples represent a significant segment of society, including both heterosexual and homosexual couples. The topic will be discussed at a roundtable discussion entitled "We Are Families Too," which will be held on Thursday at 8:30 pm at the Palazzo del Plenipotenziario. The program was presented at Palazzo di Bagno by Elena Magri, Councilor for Social Cohesion Policies, along with Davide Provengano, President of La Salamandra, and a delegation from Arcigay, which also included a couple who have been living together for 10 years and in love for 17. "It's a matter of civility and social justice that cannot be ignored," Magri argued. An attempt to address the issue was launched by the former Prodi government, which failed, and has recently been brought to the fore by statements made by US President Barack Obama. "The Constitution does not take into account the changes that have occurred over the years," Provenzano noted. "We are fighting for marriage to be extended to all." The debate will feature Provincial Councilor Magri, UNAR regional representative for Lombardy, Emanuele Nitri, Senator Marco Perduca, TV host Nina Palmieri of "I viaggi di Nina" on La7, researcher Luca Trappolin, and lawyer Alexander Schuster. The list does not include any representatives from the Municipality: "We didn't involve them to avoid embarrassment," Provenzano explained. (gs)