Europe is getting ready to take a small step towards equality. Really, really, really small. More like inching a little toe forward just a tiny bit. But hey, it’s still progress!
San Marino is a tiny little speck on the back of Italy’s knee, population 33,000. The government there is now considering a measure that would allow the country to recognize marriages performed in other countries. It’s a nice little pre-cursor to the inevitable passage of full marriage equality.
This is happening thanks to Frederico Podeschi. He’s long been an advocate for LGBT equality in the tiny little country. Three years ago, he was appointed Honorary Consul to Wales, and founded LGBT organizations benefiting both countries. When marriage became legal in Wales just a few days ago, he and his partner (who is Welsh) were among the first to get married. And now they want to bring their marriage back to San Marino.
The country’s system of government is a little complicated, and almost totally alien to Americans. For the proposal to move forward, it has to be approved by two executive politicians within the next month. Then it gets a vote in a legislative body.
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Just two years ago, San Marino passed a bill that allowed foreign LGBT spouses to remain in the country. They didn’t get any other form of relationship recognition, but at least they weren’t deported. So this is a logical next step.
Ben Dover
Always sounded like an interesting little country.