To the National President of Arcigay
Paolo Patanè
The attack last Saturday in Naples against two leaders of your association is a deplorable incident that we strongly condemn. It is unacceptable that incidents like this occur in a city that has always been a model of welcoming diversity and openly opposed to homophobia.
Following the outrage we immediately expressed, we will continue with even greater conviction the work we have long been working to combat the prejudices that give rise to these forms of intolerance.
The national gay pride event strongly supported in Naples, and the numerous Arcigay seminars that bring representatives of the association here from all over Italy, are for us wonderful opportunities for meeting that cannot be tainted by excesses of homophobia to which the culture and feelings of the city are totally foreign.
In renewing our deepest sympathy to your community for what has happened, I send you warm and affectionate greetings from Naples.
Rosa Russo Iervolino