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A European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) study has found that Italy is one of the world’s most discriminatory nations in Europe in it’s treatment of GLBT people. 

FRA Director Morten Kjaerum says of the situation in Italy: “Too often, too many GLBT people face discrimination and hostility for simply being themselves.”

“As the new European Parliament and Commission take office, the time is now ripe to put equality and non-discrimination of GLBT people back on the EU’s agenda.”

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Italy is ranked ahead of only Lithuania, Croatioa, Poland, and Cyprus in it’s treatment of GLBT people with 54% of GLBT Italians saying they suffer discrimination. In addition, it found that only 8% are feel comfortable enough to be open about their sexual orientation.

Italy is home to a large Catholic population, and lags far behind other European countries on GLBT rights. Gay couples living in Italy have no legal recognition, rights to adopt, and have very limited protection from discrimination.

Earlier this month, the Italian Interior Minister blocked the recognition of same-sex marriages, saying they cannot be recognised by the country.

Article | Levi Joule

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