Italy, Europe

Since 2003 discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment is illegal throughout the whole country in conformity with EU directives. Since the introduction of the first Penal Code in 1890, there have been no laws against same-sex sexual activity in Italy. Same-sex activity were not considered as a problem, or better they were tolerated while performed in private. During the 1800 century Italy was known for 'gay tourism', i.e. a place where lived beautiful men. However, gays were persecuted in the later years of the Mussolini regime and under the Italian Social Republic of 1943-45. The age of consent is 14. On February 2007 the Prodi government proposed to the national parliament a new law allowing a restricted version of civil union, called DICO, which would grant rights to unmarried couples both homosexuals and heterosexuals in areas of labour law, inheritance, tax and medical assistance. The law faced strong opposition from the Catholic church and from Christian democrats members of parliament and did not pass. Prodi has even chastised several members of his cabinet who supported with their presence a pro same-sex marriage legislation demonstration. The new government headed by Berlusconi does not have among its goals that of civil rights recognition for same-sex couples.