(ANSA) - Bologna, September 15 - Bologna's Catholic Diocese
denounced the city's formal recognition of same-sex marriages,
calling the decision a "surprise attack," according to media
reports Tuesday.
At the same time, Rome's mayor reportedly said the move is
"long overdue".
After a decree came into effect Monday, allowing gay
couples to have their marriages abroad added to Bologna's civil
register, Monsignor Giovanni Silvagni denounced the move.
"These are sensitive subjects that are dealt with slogan
attacks and and an approach a bit ideological", said Silvagni.
He said that "haste and approximation are always bad
ideas....imposing thoughts that are slightly weak and young, not
sufficiently matured or tested".
In contrast, Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino said he would follow
Bologna's lead and start the process in Italy's capital city
"for the recognition of marriages contracted abroad, both
heterosexual and homosexual couples".
On Monday, two Bologna-area couples, including Democratic
Party Senator Sergio Lo Giudice and Michele Giarrettano, applied
for foreign marriage recognition.
Bologna Prefect Ennio Mario Sodano asked city mayor
Virginio Merola to withdraw the newly recognized marriages.
Diocese to Bologna: gay-marriage registry 'sneak attack'
Rome mayor says 'long overdue', wants to start process in Rome