Orlando says civil-union law a must

(ANSA) - Rome, January 21 - Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said Thursday the Italian parliament had to meet Strasbourg's demand to frame a law on civil unions for same-sex couples. "I posit the issue of civil unions: the Senate and the House should resolve it as they see fit, but let them resolve an issue that has been highlighted by Strasbourg on recognising the rights of certain citizens," Orlando said. He said "an intervention is necessary, it's a fact we have to face". Premier Matteo Renzi's government has drafted a civil unions bill that would give same-sex couples many of the same rights and responsibilities as straight married couples, including the right to adopt their spouse's children and for widows to receive their deceased partners' pensions and inherit their property.
    However, the traditionally Catholic centre right, as well as Catholic elements within the centre left, are not happy with the bill, and are against recognising the rights of gays in committed relationships to be parents.
    They are particularly opposed to stepchild adoption, which they argue, will inevitably usher in the legalization of surrogate motherhood.
    Renzi has said MPs should vote their conscience on the long-delayed bill, which has most recently faced suggestions it breaches the Italian constitution - assertions that its supporters reject.