Bologna, January 27, 2016 – “We were greatly surprised to read of yet another postponement of the Senate vote on civil unions,” said Gabriele Piazzoni, national secretary of Arcigay. He continues: "Until yesterday, the date of January 28 seemed like a rock-solid certainty, today it is no longer, and the reference that hovers in the reconstructions to the reactionary demonstration convened in Rome on Saturday is not good for the debate; indeed, it risks making it even more heated. Last Saturday, through the great success of the #SvegliatItalia mobilization, Parliament gathered tangible evidence of a country that does not accept further delays on the issue of rights. Authoritative voices such as that of the President of the Chamber Laura Boldrini did well to gather this message and encourage Parliament to follow up on the legitimate request of so many citizens. Parliament, however, continues to stall and seek further mediations, in some cases damaging to the dignity of the people the law is supposed to protect. So we want to reiterate clearly: the Cirinnà bill is already a sought-after mediation to broaden consensus in a Parliament that is unable to mobilize a majority on equality but which needs, in order to legislate on these issues, to focus on an outdated institution. "This is a very pervasive issue in many countries and fails to completely address inequality. Progressive culture around the world has led to the extension of equal marriage to gay and lesbian couples, so the law under discussion in our country certainly doesn't champion that viewpoint. If anything, the bill is dominated by the views of those who are perplexed, who over the long months in committee have demanded and obtained amendments, demeaning periphrases, and fussy clarifications. This back-and-forth cannot continue: the law must be approved without retreating one step from each of the aspects it is designed to protect. We hope that last Saturday's demonstrations instilled in our senators the common sense and determination and tenacity of those who know they are fighting a just battle," concludes Piazzoni.
