Italy Rejects Anti-Homophobia Bill

Italy apparently wants to tell the world that its not welcoming to LGBT individuals and supports anti-gay religious bigotry. Why so? Because the lower house of the Italian Parliament rejected a bill that would have protected lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans individuals from discrimination. I'm an advocate of boycotting countries that are not welcoming to LGBT people. Unfortunately, it's too late to change travel plans for a western Mediterranean cruise the boyfriend and I will be taking in October which has ports of call in Italy. However, I do plan to make sure we spend as little as possible in Italy and focus our purchases in Spain and France rather than Italy. For those unhappy with the support of bigotry in Italy, let the Italian tourism bureau hear about your displeasure (I have already done so). You can submit your comments here. Pink News has details on the vote. Here are highlights:
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Italy’s parliament has rejected a bill to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people from discrimination. The Chamber of Deputies voted yesterday 293 votes to 250 not to approve the legislation. Gay rights campaigners have called on the European Union to step in.
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Italy already bans discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, ethnicity and nationality but campaigners say rising numbers of homophobic and transphobic attacks means LGBT people need more protection.
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Nicola Duckworth of Amnesty International said: “In addition to passing the right laws, authorities and politicians should set the example. “They should promote equality and non-discrimination and refrain from and condemn derogatory and discriminatory remarks that foster a climate of intolerance.”
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Italy also bars gay couples from marrying or adopting children. Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is on record for opposing gay rights, although gay campaigners claim his alleged affairs with minors make him a hypocrite. Last year, the Italian leader brushed off criticism, saying: “It’s better to be passionate about beautiful women than to be gay.”
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If I wanted to have absolutely no non-discrimination protections, I could stay right here in the backwater known as Virginia.