Italy Violates Same Sex Marriage Rights – European Court

Following the appeal of three homosexual couples, yesterday the Legal Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg have expressed a severe judgment to Italy, the only country in Western Europe that does not recognize the rights of same sex couples. Their stance: Italy violates human rights by not offering adequate legal protection and recognition to same-sex couples.

Below is a map of Europe showing which countries have legalized same sex marriages (in red) or same sex unions (in green). Countries in beige have not legalized either.

The official ruling from the European Court said gay couples were essentially forced to live double lives in Italy: they could live openly in their relationships, but do not receive official recognition of their status as a family. Specifically ruling that Italy violates article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to respect for privacy and family life

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has promised to pass legislation recognising civil partnerships, but efforts to move forward on the issue have made little progress since he took office last year. Granted, there is significant pressure from the large conservative population in Italy.

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