While the intolerant and discriminatory attitude of the Italian right has caused scandal in Europe, a surge in secularism has not been long in coming.
The Pse, through group leader Martin Schultz, asked Barroso to change Buttiglione's portfolio, announcing, otherwise, a negative vote on the entire Commission, while his predecessor Enrique Baron Crespo called on the conference of group leaders to demand an apology from the Italian government for Tremaglia's serious statements.
But the clearest response to the all-Italian attempt to tarnish the dignity of gay and lesbian citizens came with an institutional act: today, in fact, the European Parliament approved a recommendation proposed by Jean-Luis Bourlanges calling on the European Council to "strengthen the concept of Union citizenship and to 'include guarantees for the freedom of movement of citizens and their family members as well as of their registered partner of any sex'".
“Secular Europe,” comments the national president of Arcigay Sergio Lo Giudice – reacts firmly and does not give in to the wave of anti-gay fundamentalism and intolerance coming from the Italian right.
“"The request for mutual recognition of gay couples registered in other member states of the Union," Lo Giudice continues, "is a fundamental principle of civility, because it allows the right to free movement within Europe, which would otherwise be denied to some citizens."”