There’s hope a European Court of Human Rights ruling on a case in Italy could be ground-breaking for same-sex couples across Europe. The court has ruled that by not recognising same-sex couples, Italy is breaching their human rights, under the European Convention of Human Rights. It has urged the Italian government to introduce civil unions or registered partnerships to solve this inequality. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s (ILGA) Europe branch says Italy must now the imbalance. "This judgement is a call for immediate action in Italy,” says co-chair of the group’s board, Paulo Corte-Real. “The groundswell of positive public opinion and political support that was so evident in Italy following the Irish marriage equality referendum led to the promise of the long-anticipated partnership bill before the summer. We were very disappointed to see it delayed until the parliament returns in the autumn. This decision makes it clear that Italian politicians must act swiftly - and decisively.” While the judgement is only legally binding on Italy, ILGA-Europe says it signals a significant evolution in the European Court of Human Rights’ approach. “We really hope this judgement will speed up the process of legal recognition of same-sex unions not only in Italy, but also in other 22 countries of the Council of Europe which currently do not legally acknowledge same-sex unions,” says the group’s other co-chair, Joyce Hamilton. “We encourage politicians and law makers in those countries to reflect on the judgement and the realities of same-sex unions and to side with equality, respect and dignity for all couples.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 23rd July 2015 - 2:23pm