Recent news in Italy has reignited the debate on the rights of LGBT+ people. While many countries are moving towards equality, Italy appears to be taking a step backwards by restricting the rights of same-sex families. Under the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, measures were taken to prevent the registration of birth certificates with homosexual parents and to erase the names of non-biological mothers from certain certificates.
This decline sparked strong reactions and mobilizations from LGBT+ associations and the opposition. Demonstrations took place, bringing together thousands of people to defend equal rights and denounce the discrimination suffered by same-sex families.
One of the main problems faced by these families is the legal recognition of the status of non-biological parent. Although civil unions have been authorized in Italy since 2016, PMA and GPA remain prohibited for homosexual couples. Therefore, only the biological parent is legally recognized as the parent on the child’s birth certificate.
This creates absurd situations where, in the event of a medical emergency, the non-biological parent may be denied access to their own child. This is what Giulia experienced, who found herself confronted with the incomprehension of a nurse at the hospital when her eldest son was admitted urgently. This situation reveals the inequality and discrimination suffered by same-sex families in Italy.
Faced with these legal obstacles, same-sex couples have two options: appeal the municipality’s decision or try the adoption route. However, these procedures are complex, costly and uncertain. In addition, the new law presented by the government of Giorgia Meloni aims to criminalize surrogacy, making it even more difficult to recognize parental rights for homosexual couples.
It is alarming that Italy, a member country of the European Union, is moving backwards on the rights of LGBT+ people. While many countries have made significant advances in equal rights, Italy appears to be taking the opposite path.
It is essential to mobilize to defend the rights of same-sex families and guarantee real equality for all. The voice of LGBT+ associations and the opposition is crucial to make this call for equality and recognition of the rights of all families heard, regardless of their composition and sexual orientation.
In conclusion, it is time for Italy to look to the future and embrace diversity and inclusion. Same-sex parent families deserve to be recognized and respected, and it is our duty to participate in this fight for equal rights.