Things are heating up over in Italy. Tomorrow Prime Minister Romano Prodi will lead a debate on a bill that will allow unmarried couples – homos included – to register for state-sponsored benefits. Of course, his Pope Benedict XVI and his faithful friends have loads to say about gay unions, none of it good, including:
Projects aimed at granting improper legal recognition to forms of unions other [than traditional marriage] appear dangerous and counterproductive as they inevitably weaken and destabilize the legitimate family based on matrimony.
Though the Vatican would like to think it exercises considerable power over the primarily Catholic nation, a public opinion poll suggests otherwise. Bloomberg News reports:
Two-thirds of Italians favor legalization of de facto couples, regardless of sexual orientation, Rome-based research institute Eurispes said in its 2007 annual report released Jan. 26. Among practicing Catholics, 45 percent are against, a separate poll by SWG Srl showed.
Those Catholics will prove invaluable as the Vatican mobilizes its rank-and-file against the measure. Of course, it still seems like they’re outnumbered. Thank the totally mythically, culturally concocted gods.
FizziekruntNT
I’m lovin’ the whole “Land That Time Forgot” lizard collar photo of il Papa. HILARIOUS.
Mike
Haha, but Prodi looks like he’s just been scolded in his photo!
Italians are seriously the most non-religious people, they view the pope as archaic and something agrarian. The church’s power is now limited to the Third World, Ireland and the US. With Prodi, I’m sure the legislation’ll pass.
BTW, Europeans don’t see civil unions as necessarily gay. Many straight couples in France, Germany and Scandanavia prefer civil unions over marriage. How’s that for equality
John
I wouldn’t make wedding plans in Venice quite yet. It is hardly certain that the Prodi government will survive long enough to pass this law. The Vatican does exercise considerable power over the Italian government, if not the actual sexual practices of the Italian people.
It is a strange phenomenon, but the political class in Italy consists mostly of sycophants who prostate themselves before the steps of St. Peter’s, even while their constituents ignore all of the Church’s holy directives with gusto. Still, regardless of what the opinion polls say, Italian politicians are always afraid of the man in the pointy white hat — even moreso than many of the Vatican’s own priests!
NeilGrieves
I’d love to see what’s under that robe!
I’m available for the ultimate alter boy gang-bang!
Vote for me Popey-Poo!
Colin
I have already presented non-challenged arguments on gay unions. Another argument will not be needed until they are responded to.
However, the quote which was presented does not seem to be aimed at gay unions, specifically. The bill is ment for all unmarried couples, and The Pope is speeking out against all forms of marrige facades. Thus, this can not be seen as a real attack on the homosexual community (not that banning gay marriage would hurt them either…)
I do not really understand what benefits they could be talking about anyway. What conceivable benefits do married couples recieve? If they recieve nothing, then why bother with non-married persons? Someone please inform me.