Gay Pride 2012: Merola already supports it, "This is an important event for discussing rights."“

«"This is an important international event for the city." Virginio Merola extends his hand to Arcigay's request for sponsorship to organize the 2012 Pride Parade in Bologna. "We will meet," the mayor continues, "it could be an opportunity to discuss European best practices related to rights and the fight against discrimination." But some are preparing to barricade themselves against the gay community's challenge. Starting with the fiery statements of PDL regional councilor Galeazzo Bignami, who absolutely has no interest in demonstrations and colorful flags: "Just as there has never been a demonstration for heterosexual pride, I don't see why we should organize one for gay pride. It's pure exhibitionism." And on same-sex marriage, he doubles down: "It would violate the Constitution; it's an offense to traditional marriage. Stop mimicking the institution of the family." Benedetto Zacchiroli, a Democratic Party city councilor, jokingly responds. Besides deeming Pride "an opportunity for politics to discuss issues that concern many people," he invites Bignami "to join me on the bandwagon that day." "He's much more intelligent than he's said," continues "Zac," "and he's a politician. He needs to build bridges, not walls." "I, on the other hand, don't invite him to join the bandwagon," warns Franco Grillini, a regional councilor for the Italian Democratic Party, smiling, "because if he likes it, we're ruined." While the Five Star Movement, as Massimo Bugani states, "will give full support to the initiative," within the ranks of the Democratic Party, things are moving at a snail's pace. "We'll discuss it together as a group," Raffaella Santi in Casali, a city councilor, says. "We'll discuss it according to our prerogatives and the decisions adopted by national politics." A firm "no comment" comes from Matteo Richetti, president of the Emilia-Romagna legislative assembly. The Curia's reaction is cold. Adriano Guarnieri, spokesman for Cardinal Caffarra, emphasizes that "our positions are clear. The Church is rooted in non-negotiable principles, such as that of the family.".
(rdr)