Italy’s Fight Against Anti-LGBT Policies
Protests have broken out in Milan to fight for LGBTQ rights that are currently being threatened, with people holding signs that read "you explain to my son that I am not his mother" and children wearing shirts that read "It is love that creates a family." Source for photo: Le Monde
What's happening in Italy?
The rights of LGBTQ Italians are being threatened by recent demands of the Interior Ministry of Italy that cities across Italy stop registering same-sex parents. LGBTQ Italians have been fighting to maintain and gain rights in Italy, with same-sex civil unions finally being recognized in 2016. Same-sex parents are not recognized in most parts of Italy, with usually only one parent registered as the legal guardian of a child. Because of the government's current opposition to registering same-sex parents, many cities like Milan have decided to take action and independently register parents. This development comes at a time when the Interior Ministry of Italy made their demands: that cities registering same-sex parents must stop doing so and same-sex couples must go to the highest legal court in Italy to get both parents registered. After the Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, announced the Ministry's demands, protests broke out in Milan. People holding signs that read "you explain to my son that I am not his mother" and children wearing shirts that read "It is love that creates a family" flooded the streets in protests of the Interior Ministry's demands.
Why is this important?
While same-sex civil unions have been recognized in Italy, same-sex marriage is not recognized. These two things are not interchangeable as civil unions have much less rights associated with them, with one of the main ones being same-sex couples not having access to joint adoption. A parent’s spouse may be able to act like a parent and care for their child, but many mundane things can become a challenge like bringing one’s child to school or taking them to a doctors appointment because the registered parent’s spouse is not listed as a legal guardian for the child. Not only that, but there is also the risk of the unrecognized parents losing their child if the registered parent dies or the relationship fails. In order to get same-sex parents recognized, couples must face the highest legal court in Italy. This forces same-sex couples to go to court to try to get both parents legally recognized as guardians. This leaves those without the resources to go to court unable to claim that they are the parent of their child and opens the door for courts to discriminate against certain couples.
How does this affect us?
This is not the first time anti-LGBTQ legislation has been talked about or threatened in recent years. In fact, we have seen a rise in anti-legislation and sentiment in different areas around the world. Just recently, Uganda passed legislation that criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ with punishments as severe as death. All over the United States, there have been anti-LGBTQ legislation being introduced, with over 400 anti-LGBTQ bills – a few of which are getting passed in different states. Georgia, for example, is in the process of passing a string of bills that would limit and deny transgender rights, gender affirming care, and the right of parents/guardians to make medical decisions for their children. It is important that we, no matter where you are from or how you identify, fight against these bills that only harm our communities.
What can we do?
The most important thing we as citizens of the United States can do is register to vote and make sure we are voting for people who have policies that we support and do not discriminate against our fellow citizens. Participating in protests or donating to reputable organizations, if you are able to, around the world that are fighting against anti-LGBTQ legislations is another way to participate and help protect each other. Lastly, the most important thing we can do is to stay safe and protect each other. If you are in an environment where expressing yourself and being your authentic self is in jeopardy or can put you in danger, it is important to do what you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.