'No secret votes' on civil unions say PD Senators

(ANSA) - Rome, February 8 - A group of 15 Senators from Premier Matteo Renzi's Democratic Party on Monday called for a "transparent" vote on the civil unions bill now before the Senate. Some parties have called for a secret vote on the divisive bill. "In the coming days the Senate will be called to decide on issues affecting the lives and futures of millions of Italian citizens," the Senators said in a statement. "We ask therefore that the...different positions expressed during floor debate be kept clear and transparent when the time comes to vote as well". The PD caucus has decided not request secret voting and other caucuses must be urged to do the same, the PD Senators said. "Beginning with those, like the (anti-establishment 5-Star Movement) M5S, who have given their MPs freedom to vote their conscience, without specifying what, if any, the Movement's position is," the statement said.