Fast divorce enters into force

(ANSA) - Rome, May 26 - A controversial new law allowing so-called quickie divorces entered into force on Tuesday.
    The law reduces the separation period needed for a divorce to six months from the previous three years, as long as the split is consensual and no children are involved.
    In the event that one or both parties go to a judge, a separation period of a year is required.
    The provisions also apply retroactively to the estimated 200,000 couples with divorce cases pending.
    The bill received overwhelming backing from both houses of parliament in April, with MPs from across the political fence hailing the approval as a "legal landmark" and a "step forward for civil society".
    However, the Catholic Church condemned the provisions, with Italian bishops describing them as an "uncivil accomplishment" representing a "devastating slippery slope against the family".
    Italy's big-selling Catholic newspaper Famiglia Cristiana said the new law was "not a solution but an escape".

    Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said Tuesday that pressure on civil courts is declining, with monitoring of 10 courts showing a 20% decline in caseloads compared with 2014.

    He spoke as Italy's new regulations on quick divorces came into effect.
    Orlando said there is already a 30% decline in registration of court cases involving separations and divorce.