At the very birthplace of Roman Catholicism, a bill that brings a twist to the liturgical teachings in the Holy Bible was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers in Italy allowing the civil union of same-sex amid widespread strong objection, especially from the church.
By 372 -51 votes and 99 abstentions the bill passed the strict scrutiny. It is now up to President Sergio Mattarella to decide which side he should choose- the Holy Bible that says marriage is only between a man and a woman, or the bill that accords homosexual that same right.
Civil union is not "marriage," but it is conferred with many rights and privileges except to adopt a child, which needs a judicial ruling.
The bill's approval by Italy's Chamber of Deputies came as unexpected and drew outrage to most Italian's who thought their leaders were conservative. Its passage left homosexual with one last step for victory against the Roman Catholic.church - President Pattarella's approval or veto.
'This is a defeat for everyone," said Monsignor Nunzio Galantino, secretary-general of the Italian bishop's conference.
Archbishop Michele Pennisi, for his part, called the bill's passage as an act of a "creeping fascism" by the Italian government, adding, "It's a misguided law, the anteroom to homosexual adoption."
But Pope Francis himself has apparently become soft on the issue. In a July 20 statement he said that "if a person is a gay, and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge him". With this bill, the entire Eastern Europe is close to allowing the same-sex union.
"[There is a] need for politicians that are more attentive, and who truly acknowledge the centrality of the family, made up of a mother, father, and children," Galantino said.
Matteo Salvini, the secretary of Italy's Northern League party, went as far as calling on party mayors to disobey the impending law.
