There's no doubt that gay couples are invisible in our country. They aren't recognized by any law, unlike many European countries, they aren't registered, and, with the exception of a few regions (Valle d'Aosta, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany), they aren't eligible for any social benefits or services.
It is therefore essential that gay families be helped to emerge and become legal entities. For all these reasons, starting this fall, Arcigay will promote the establishment of counseling centers, or strengthen existing ones, that provide legal and psychological support to gay couples or individuals intending to form a family group.
As it already does with private counseling centers run by Catholic organizations, Arcigay will ask the Regions, Municipalities, and Provinces to fund this new social service, which aims to promote people's physical and mental well-being and develop a stable, socially integrated family.
Aurelio Mancuso
National Secretary of Arcigay
