Italian 'family day' to oppose new marriage bill

A bill which would grant unmarried couples, including same sex couples, new rights similar to those enjoyed by people who are married has faced protest in Italy.

Legislation which would allow unmarried couples legal rights such as hospital visits was passed by premier Romano Prodi's Cabinet last February, but the bill is yet to be approved by the Italian parliament.

A rally entitled Family day, organised by lay Catholic groups and family associations, was held in St John Lateran piazza in Rome on Saturday (May 12th) in protest at the possibility of the bill's approval.

It was attended by tens of thousands of people, including 27-year-old Emanuele Cirillo, who told the Associated Press: "With this demonstration, we wanted to give a signal. It must not be a sporadic event, but it must contribute to dialogue and help [people] understand family must be protected."

The bill, which does not legalize gay marriage, is opposed because of its apparent threat to the traditional family unit, protestors argue.