Same-sex parents to be able to self-certify family status

(ANSA) - Milan, September 3 - Same-sex parents in the Italian city of Bologna will be able to self-certify their family status from this year so that both parents can manage issues related to their children's schooling, such as authorising their participation in school trips.
    Left-leaning Bologna mayor Virginio Merola unveiled the new system during an interview at a political event on Wednesday night, which local media reported.
    Once an applicant fills out a new form, he or she will be recognised as a "parent" for administrative purposes, even though they are not connected to the biological or legal parent by law.
    Italy, deeply attached to its Catholic roots, does not recognise either civil partnerships or marriage for gay couples.
    Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said this week that parliament aimed to approve a government bill on civil unions by the end of the year, but added that a lot will depend on how debate in the Senate goes.