In a vibrant display of resistance against the government’s crackdown on surrogacy and recognition of same-sex parents, Rome’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride march took to the streets on Saturday. Thirty floats, including one dedicated to celebrating “rainbow families” – a term coined by LGBTQ+ activists for same-sex couples with children – paraded through the city.
This spirited event comes months after the ultrarightist government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, instructed municipal officials to only include the biological parent in birth certificates of same-sex couples, excluding the other parent. However, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri defied this order and attended the march, proudly transcribing birth certificates of children born abroad to same-sex parents with “emotion and conviction.”
Gualtieri recorded the birth certificates of a child born in France to an Italian and a French mother, and a girl born in England to two Italo-English women. Through this act, he ensured that these children would receive recognition of their Italian citizenship and corresponding rights, while their mothers would fulfill their complete obligations towards their children. The mayor, a prominent member of the opposition Democratic Party, shared this significant step on Facebook.
By registering the non-biological parent, they acquire rights such as authorizing medical treatment for their child or collecting them from school without special permission. However, the government, leveraging its parliamentary majority, recently introduced a bill in the preparatory committee to criminalize surrogacy, even when carried out abroad, to have a child. The debate is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks, but a voting date has yet to be set.
While Italy allows civil unions for same-sex couples, it does not permit marriage or single individuals to adopt children. Emma Ascoli, a 30-year-old musician participating in the Pride march, highlighted how other countries permit surrogacy, and that it was only after framing it as an LGBTQ+ rights issue that the topic gained attention. Senator Alessandra Maiorino from the populist Five Star Movement emphasized the importance of participating in the march, stating that LGBTQ+ rights are under attack and called the government’s attitude toward children of same-sex marriages “intolerable.”
The Pride march in Rome continues to be a vibrant display of unity, resilience, and defiance against repressive measures that aim to deny LGBTQ+ individuals and rainbow families their rights and recognition. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance in society, urging policymakers to prioritize inclusivity and dignity for all.