In this regard to the news spread in recent days about recent episodes of homophobia in Rome, and the rumors about events that supposedly occurred on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, better known as Gay Street, are worth taking with extreme seriousness, especially considering the vote on the Anti-Homophobia Law, scheduled for tomorrow in the Chamber of Deputies, and the great work done by the Hon. Paola Concia in developing a meaningful approach to such a sensitive issue.
Arcigay and the Gay Street Association therefore firmly deny that homophobic incidents have recently occurred on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, and express their deep appreciation for the ongoing, daily communication with the Police Headquarters, the Celio Police Station, and other law enforcement agencies, which has enabled a climate of growing security and trust in a climate of extraordinary collaboration. While it is true that the "homophobia" problem urgently requires a legislative solution that offers effective tools for preventing and repressing hate crimes against gay, lesbian, and transgender people, it also requires fairness and rigor in distinguishing generic criminal circumstances from situations of genuine homophobia and transphobia, especially out of respect for the many real victims.
Paolo Patanè – National President of Arcigay Annalisa Scarnera – President of the Gay Street Association