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                    Thousands Rally in Italy for Gay Rights

   by VOA News

   Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of cities across Italy
   on Saturday to call for legal recognition for gay couples and their
   children.

   From Milan in the north to Palermo in the south, supporters of civil
   unions carried rainbow-colored flags, balloons and signs asking Italy
   to "wake up" to the need for a law on civil unions.

   Italy is the only major Western European country not to have enacted
   civil union legislation allowing same-sex couples to have their
   relationships acknowledged and protected by law.

   On Thursday, the Italian Senate will begin debate on a bill that would
   legalize civil partnership for gay as well as unmarried heterosexual
   couples. Many opponents see the bill as a first step that would lead to
   the legalization of gay marriage.

   Opponents of the bill are planning a counterdemonstration on January 30
   at Rome's Circus Maximus.

   Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend the self-styled "Family
   Day," organized by Catholic groups.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/thousands-rally-in-italy-for-gay-rights/3159915.html