Arcigay takes a stand on the approval of Civil Unions by the Municipality of Gubbio.
""This is a civilized decision out of respect for all citizens," commented Arcigay national president Sergio Lo Giudice, "which does not discriminate ideologically based on sexual orientation or life choices." Patrizia Stefani, president of the Arcigay Arcilesbica Omphalos branch in Perugia, added: "I hope that Perugia and other major cities in Umbria will follow the courageous example of the Gubbio administration.".
By now, the majority of European countries have extended marriage, or equivalent legal forms, to same-sex couples (France, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland). "Given Italy's shameful delay in protecting the full freedom of affection and feelings," Lo Giudice continues, "it is important that municipalities do everything possible to recognize equal social dignity for all citizens." This is not just a symbolic gesture: in their policies to support new families, many Italian municipalities have already extended assistance to cohabiting couples.
From a regulatory perspective, the recognition of "Civil Unions" by a municipality simply represents a full application of the state's registry law. According to this law, a family is defined as "a group of persons, linked by marriage, kinship, affinity, adoption, guardianship, or emotional ties, cohabiting and habitually residing in the same municipality." However, any reference to Article 29 of the Constitution, which, while recognizing the rights of the "traditional" family, does not exclude the recognition of other forms of cohabitation, appears irrelevant.