An important step forward for gay couples and families in Italy, Bikya Masr reports:
On the basis of their union, the Uruguayan had applied for a residence permit in Italy, for which foreigners can qualify, either through marriage to an Italian, or through obtaining legal employment.
The residence permit granted to Rafael represents “the first document in Italian history which effectively recognizes the family status of homosexual couples,” said rights group Associazione Radicale Certi Diritti which supported the two men in their legal battle.
Paola Concia, a lesbian member of parliament for Italy's main center-left Democratic Party, said the decision by the court in Reggio Emilia “is another important signal to Italian politicians”.
She said that the “legislative vacuum” that exists in Italy where there are no laws governing same-sex marriage “is unacceptable for a country that wishes to be part of Europe.”
