Lawmakers in Rome on Wednesday approved
the establishment of a civil union registry for gay and lesbian
couples.
Rome city council also approved an
amendment stating that gay couples' foreign marriages will be
automatically recognized as civil unions in Rome, ANSA
reported.
Before the start of Rome's 20th
annual Gay Pride Parade in June, Mayor Ignazio Marino announced he
would back plans for a civil unions registry.
Marino, a supporter of marriage
equality, applauded the council's actions.
“Rome, by this example, hopes to help
unlock the hesitations of legislators who for too many years have
evaded full recognition of the legal and civil rights of all couples,
regardless of sexual orientation,” Marino
said in a statement.
With more than 3 million residents,
Rome is considered one of the largest cities in the European Union.
Within the nation's capital is Vatican City, an internationally
recognized independent state.
(Related: Rome's
Ignazio Marino registers marriages of 16 gay couples.)