(ANSA) - Rome, March 20 - Family Minister Lorenzo Fontana said Wednesday that the government still intends to sponsor the controversial World Conference of Families, which is set to take place in Verona March 29-31.
"As a minister of this government, it was (my decision) to grant the event sponsorship," Fontana, a member of Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's League party, told a question-time session in parliament. "I still intend to confirm that position, as I intend to confirm my decision to participate".
Critics have said the conference promotes an anti-gay, anti-abortion and anti-feminism agenda. Fellow Deputy Premier and Labour and Industry Minister Luigi Di Maio, the leader of the League's coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement (M5S), blasted the conference as something from the Middle Ages and said M5S members will not be going.
Govt confirms World Families Conference sponsorship
Event criticised over alleged anti-gay, anti-abortion agenda