Gay marriage registration ‘illegitimate’

The Italian bishops have condemned the civil registration of gay marriages in Italy as “illegitimate”, writes Hannah Roberts.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in Italy, but cities including Rome, Naples and Florence have been defying central government orders by registering gay marriages conducted abroad. Last week Rome’s Mayor Ignazio Marino registered 16 gay marriages at the city hall.

The Italian bishops’ conference said: “These registrations, as well as not being compliant with our legal system, suggest an equivalence between marriage and other relationships that are improper.”