Italians staged a mass rally in Rome’s Circus Maximus Jan. 30, urging the government to reject legislation that offers same-sex couples legal recognition and some adoption rights, France24.com reported.
Organizers were hoping for as many as one million attendees. However, journalists at the scene estimated the numbers to be in the tens of thousands.
The bill is due to be voted on in February, but the government is deeply divided over the issue.
Italy is the last major country in Western Europe that has not offered rights or recognition to same-sex couples, and the European Court of Justice has regularly criticized the Italian government for failing to act. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi promised to pass a law by the end of last year, but has faced fierce opposition.
The article is at www.france24.com/en/20160130-italy-gay-marriage-civil-protest-family-day.