Boldrini stance on civil unions sparks row

(ANSA) - Rome, January 25 - House Speaker Laura Boldrini on Sunday spoke out in favour of Italy granting civil-union status to same-sex couples, prompting criticism from the centre right who said she had overstepped the impartiality of her office. Boldrini called for a law that would not "disappoint the expectations" of the estimated one million people who turned out in 100 cities across Italy Saturday in favour of civil unions and stepchild adoption.
    The latter is a sticking point for Catholics on the centre left and centre right but Premier Matteo Renzi is confident of winning over critics within his ruling Democratic Party.