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Bologna, February 5, 2018 – “Almost two years after the approval of the civil unions law, the Verona city administration has censored the slogan of an exhibitor at the ’Verona Sposi“ fair because it makes allusive reference to civil unions. This is a serious matter, which attempts to separate the city of Verona from the laws of our Republic, of which Verona, until proven otherwise, is still a part.”
Laura Pesce, president of Arcigay Pianeta Milk in Verona, continues: "Instead of promoting equal treatment for all the citizens it represents, the City Council is actually censoring initiatives that promote this equality. Verona is experiencing a worrying climate of repression, reminiscent of times we would like to think are long gone. The slogan #sposachivuoi clearly acknowledged a reality that is already written in people's hearts, as well as in the law: men and women in this country today marry, whether straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, regardless of whether they do so through marriage or civil unions. Denying this," Pesce continues, "is pure blindness." "The censorship implemented by the City of Verona," continues Gabriele Piazzoni, national secretary of Arcigay, "is not only indicative of a liberticidal, discriminatory, and anti-democratic mindset, but also a symptom of the chilling incompetence of the political class, which evidently ignores the respect due to state laws and private initiatives, if not those that violate these laws. We are currently reporting the matter to UNAR, the national office against discrimination, so that they can call on the Verona city council to respect the law," concludes Piazzoni.
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