Same-sex marriage: Court of Cassation transcribes French couple's marriage

Bologna, February 2, 2017 – “The Supreme Court of Cassation ruling that determined the registration of the first same-sex marriage in Italy is a momentous event,” stated Gabriele Piazzoni, national secretary of Arcigay. He continued: “The Supreme Court clearly and unequivocally emphasizes the distinction between marriage and civil union, a point that too often, partly due to the justified celebrations surrounding the approval of the Cirinnà law, seems to be overlooked. This ruling, however, brings this difference back into the spotlight, setting a goal for us and defining that goal as possible in Italy as well. Formal and substantive equality among all citizens must remain the goal, and the race must not slow down. Now that the courts have recognized the right of a same-sex couple with foreign citizenship married abroad to maintain that status in Italy, it is up to politicians to open this possibility to Italian same-sex couples as well: on this point, we will not give up.” “I would like to take this opportunity – concludes Piazzoni – to thank the brides and their lawyers who have gone through this battle, which benefits everyone and which urges our country to continue quickly on the path towards full equality”.