Italy's parliament has this week backed the introduction of civil unions between same-sex and heterosexual couples.
On Wednesday, MPs in the Chamber of Deputies, Italy's lower house of parliament, voted 372-51 with 99 abstentions to ensure the civil unions bill will become law.
Prior to the vote, Italy had been the last major Western country not to recognise same-sex partnerships in law.
Watered down
After numerous delays, a watered down civil unions bill secured the necessary support and approval of Italy's Senate in February, clearing the way for Wednesday's vote.
The civil unions bill will allow same-sex and unmarried couples to take each other's names, and economic rights in terms of inheritance, housing and pension. Hospital visitation rights have also been included.
However, amid concerns that civil unions would be too similar in nature to marriage, legislation was amended to remove any references to the need for faithfulness between partners, and a so-called stepchild-adoption clause.
The clause would have granted same-sex couples the right to adopt their partners' biological children: there is no blanket ban on adoption, instead, family judges will reach a decision on a case-by-case basis.
'A first step'
Following the earlier vote in February, the bill's main sponsor, Senator Monica Cirinna, called the passing of a watered down civil unions bill a "hollow victory".
She added "It's a first step, a victory with a hole in the heart," confirming the fears of those in Italy who believe the bill could be a 'trojan horse' leading to the introduction of same-sex 'marriage' and same-sex adoption.
This week the Republic of Ireland also published a law that,if implemented, would allow same-sex couples to adopt. Same-sex 'marriage' was signed into law by the president of Ireland, Michael Higgins, in August 2015.
President Sergio Mattarella has a month to sign the Italian legislation into law, a process which is usually just a formality.
Initiative to protect marriage
Last month, a petition was launched to defend true marriage and family across Europe. The European Citizens' Initiative Mums, Dads and Kids aims to protect the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Citizens from across EU member states are invited to add their signature supporting a definition of marriage and family that aims to promote family life.
Please sign the petition online or print a form from the website.
Related Links:
Ireland liberalises adoption law for same-sex couples
Irish president signs same-sex 'marriage' bill
European Citizens' Initiative launched to protect marriage
Mums, Dads and Kids initiative (Mums, Dads and Kids)
Italian parliament gives gay unions the green light (Telegraph)
Italian MPs back same-sex unions in vote for Renzi (BBC)