Dico? errrr...Dico!

Italy's Cabinet Approves Draft Bill to Recognize Gay Unions

By Flavia Krause-Jackson
Feb. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's government tonight paved the way for same-sex unions, approving draft legislation that may permit homosexual couples to share benefits such as residency, pension and health care.

At a government meeting summoned at the last minute, Prodi's Cabinet took just over an hour to approve the draft bill giving legal recognition to long-standing, unmarried couples, regardless of sexual preference. Out of protest, two key ministers didn't participate.

Pope Benedict XVI has made it clear he strongly opposes the move and his biggest political ally, Justice Minister Clemente Mastella, skipped the meeting in favor of attending mass. Mastella's UDEUR party, has enough senators in the upper house of parliament to sink the measure if he aligns himself with the opposition.