*ER, REGIONAL LAW AGAINST HOMOTRANSPHOBIA APPROVED LAST NIGHT. ARCIGAY REJOICES: "RIGHT DEFEATED AFTER AN EPIC BATTLE"*
Bologna, July 27, 2019 – "A victory that was far from a foregone conclusion and rewards the commitment of local associations and institutions in the fight against discrimination": this is how Gabriele Piazzoni, general secretary of Arcigay, commented on the approval of the regional law against homotransphobia, approved by the Legislative Assembly of Emilia-Romagna last night, after 40 hours of uninterrupted battle against right-wing obstructionism. We are aware of the limitations of the text, particularly the amendment reaffirming the restrictions of Law 40 on surrogacy, which is completely out of place in this law. However, we cannot help but rejoice at how the majority in the chamber—comprised of the Democratic Party, the Italian Left, and the Mixed Group, with the support of the Five Star Movement—resist the right-wing's brutal attack on our demands, which resulted in an unprecedented marathon. We therefore thank the councilors who spearheaded this heroic endeavor, as well as the LGBTI associations who consistently manned the chamber, demonstrating that politics, when represented by presence, commitment, and effort, can lead to success and satisfaction. Finally, a grateful thought goes to Franco Grillini, our honorary president, who first introduced this bill during the previous legislature. Laws can always be improved, but first they must exist and begin to reap their benefits: this is why tonight's vote is unquestionably a success for us,“ concludes Piazzoni.
