«The bracelet is a great achievement for civil rights»

Certainly good news for this start of the year is the news that Padua Hospital has removed the word "father" from the bracelet given to parents after the birth of a child, replacing it with the more genetic partner. "Once again, Padua has proven itself to be at the forefront of civil rights," comments Franca Chiarello, president of the "Il Riparo" branch of Arcilesbica. "This change is undoubtedly the result of the hard work and dedication local associations have been putting into this issue for years. It's a source of pride for those like me who work hard every day." The reality of same-sex parenting in Italy is widespread, as the president emphasizes, and should be recognized, even though much remains to be done in terms of civil rights. "Italian politics is lagging far behind society, light years behind. This recognition by the Padua hospital is a small step toward eliminating the remaining differences between families considered first-class and second-class, when we should be talking only about families," the president points out. "These days, we are witnessing a destructive campaign against civil rights and individuals by the Church; just look at Cardinal Bagnasco's statements, and others. Attacks aimed at destroying families." The president of the Italian Episcopal Conference has recently lashed out against abortion and euthanasia. "Things are moving forward, even though it's about time other issues like marriage and adoption were also addressed. In Europe, only Greece is at our level, which is absolutely zero," Chiarello continues. "The law provides for the aggravating circumstance of racism in the case of attacks on foreigners, but it does not include the aggravating circumstance of homophobia. The situation in Italy is embarrassing, even though Europe is pushing for the recognition of rights, and we hope something will change." This 2013 has started well, let's hope the 13th brings good luck and we can make progress." It must be acknowledged, according to the president, that every municipality is trying to establish at least one registry of common-law couples, and in this regard too, Padua has proven to be a pioneer with the 2006 initiative that generated a great deal of media attention. The decision regarding the maternity ward has sparked much discussion and has been met with great support from all gay and lesbian associations.
City Councilor and Arcigay councilor Alessandro Zan, who has been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and against homophobia for years, also spoke on the issue. "I support the hospital's decision to overcome the legislative challenges surrounding homoparenting. These are the great strides a civil, secular society can make. By overcoming laws, lobbies, vested interests, and powerful figures, it has provided a progressive response to a nation that could no longer lag behind in civil rights," he emphasized. "Once again, after the registry of de facto couples, Padua deserves credit for paving the way. I hope this first milestone, achieved at the very beginning of the year, will pave the way for other important objectives that I hope will see the Italian Parliament take center stage.".