The Municipality of Milan was recently forced to stop registering children born to homo-parental couples in Italy, also known as rainbow families. The interruption was due to a circular issued by the Ministry of the Interior based on a ruling by the Supreme Court. The ruling states that only the biological father, the one who donated the sperm in a surrogate motherhood, can be registered at the registry office as a parent. This decision caused quite a stir, especially in the LGBT community, as it effectively blocks LGBT parents from registering their children.
The center-right’s rejection of the European filiation certificate is another issue that has come to light as a result of this blockade. The certificate stipulates that parenthood established in any country can be recognized in any other member state without the need for special procedures. It does not matter whether the children come from heterosexual, homosexual, surrogate or adopted couples. This rejection further highlights the government’s stance on LGBT rights.
The response was not long in coming, and protests against the blockade started in Milan. The demonstration “Giù le mani dai nostri figli e dalle nostre figlie” (‘Hands off our sons and daughters’) was organized to prevent the municipality’s blockade on the transcription of children of same-sex couples. Several political personalities, including Elly Schlein, the first woman and the youngest secretary of the Partito Democratico, attended the event.
Family Minister Eugenia Roccella stated that the government’s and majority’s choice to activate the prefects was made to prevent gay male couples from resorting to gestation by others. However, in reality, it is mainly female couples who are affected. This decision violates the rights of minors as listed in the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Adolescent, which is concerning.
The European Parliament approved an amendment brought forward by Renew Europe, which condemns the Italian government’s decision and calls on the government to immediately revoke its decision. The ruling restores hope, but it should also make us think carefully about the country’s direction. Since the Meloni government came to power, Italy seems to be aligning itself with the ideals of countries like Hungary and Poland. Increasingly radicalized on human rights issues, this new direction is very frightening.
In conclusion, the decision to block LGBT parents from registering their children and the government’s stance on LGBT rights is a cause for concern. It is essential that ordinary people take action on the ground to ensure that laws similar to those in Italy no longer see the light of day. This is a direct violation of the rights of minors, and action must be taken to protect them.