'No new gay rights bill being written' says undersecretary

(see related)(ANSA) - Rome, October 15 - A cabinet undersecretary on Wednesday appeared to deny reports that Premier Matteo Renzi's government is at work on a gay civil unions bill.
    "I have no record of a government bill on civil unions between gays, but the premier has been saying for a while that he wants German-style civil partnerships (in Italy)," Ivan Scalfarotto told ANSA.
    People should not view such a bill as a privilege for a minority, he added.
    "Gay people can't choose between marriage and cohabitation while heterosexuals can," Scalfarotto pointed out.
    Gay activists and some MPs earlier welcomed reports that the Renzi administration is at work on a bill legalizing gay marriage and the adoption of children by the non-biological parent within the couple. The bill reportedly to be presented to the cabinet by the end of the month would de facto legalize gay marriage in all but name.