Italy's court affirms parental rights for same-sex couples
- Italy's Constitutional Court ruled that both mothers in same-sex couples can register as parents on a birth certificate.
- The ruling highlighted that parental rights should not be limited to the biological mother and addressed recent enforcement of restrictive policies.
- The decision is celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates while facing backlash from conservative groups, illustrating the ongoing debate over family rights in Italy.
Italy's Constitutional Court delivered a landmark ruling on May 22, 2025, affirming that both mothers in a same-sex couple can be recognized as parents on their child's birth certificate. This decision emerged in response to growing concerns over the erosion of parental rights within same-sex families. Historically, some city registrars had only recorded the name of the biological mother, thereby limiting recognition for non-biological parents. In recent years, the restrictions intensified due to a policy shift from the far-right-led government under Premier Giorgia Meloni. The court determined that denying recognition to the non-biological mother contradicted constitutional rights, emphasizing the need for equality in family law. Following the ruling, LGBTQ+ advocates celebrated the recognition of parental rights, while opposition groups criticized the decision, projecting a bleak future for children in same-sex families. The ruling signifies a progressive shift in Italy's approach to LGBTQ+ rights amidst political pressures aimed at promoting traditional family values.