Gay marriage laws in italy

Civil partnerships were legalised in Italy in 2016 after a bill to authorize such unions, as well as gender-neutral registered partnerships, was approved by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, and then signed into law by the President on 20 May 2016.

A “Formazioni Sociali Specifiche” allows civil partnerships to take place between same-sex couples. The rights and obligations for such partnerships are very similar to those of marriage, except for adoption (stepchild adoption) which remains prohibited.

In Italy, lesbian couples can commit through civil union. In order to validly establish a civil union, the couple must jointly make a assertion to the registrar of the town hall (of any municipality) in the presence of two witnesses (one on each side).

The couple must declare their personal information, nationality, residence, and life of any causes that would stop the establishment of a civil union, for example, if one of the partners is married, banned due to mental illness, or otherwise.

The declaration made to the registrar must also contain:

• The willingness to set up a civil union
• The willingness
  
  

  Marriage Equality Around the Planet

  The Human Rights Campaign tracks developments in the legal recognition of same-sex marriage around the world. Working through a worldwide network of HRC global alumni and partners, we lift up the voices of community, national and regional advocates and distribute tools, resources, and lessons learned to empower movements for marriage equality.
  

  Current State of Marriage Equality

  There are currently 38 countries where same-sex marriage is legal: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Uruguay. 
  

  These countries have legalized marriage equality through both legislation and court decisions. 
  

  Countries that Legalized Marriage Equality in 2025

  Liechtenstein: On May 16, 2024, Liechtenstein's government passed a bill in favor of marriage equality. The law went into effe
  

  Italy, a country deeply rooted in Roman Catholic traditions, presents a complex legal landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking recognition and rights for their families. Despite some progress, Italy remains behind many other European nations in terms of legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples, particularly regarding marriage, adoption, and surrogacy. For Americans in same-sex marriages who are considering pursuing Italian citizenship, it is crucial to understand the restrictions and limitations imposed by Italian law before taking any steps toward becoming an Italian citizen.

  Civil Unions vs. Marriage

  As of June 2023, same-sex couples in Italy can enter into civil unions, thanks to the Cirinnà law passed in May 2016. These unions provide most of the legal rights associated with marriage, such as inheritance rights and the ability to make medical decisions for a partner. However, they fall short in key areas, notably in the absence of mutual adoption rights. The rule does recognize same-sex couples as a family unit, and the Supreme Court of Cassation has allowed for the adoption of stepchildren within these unions. Yet, these legal frameworks stop short of granting
  

  Same Sex Marriage in Italy: An Overview and Current Status

  Legal Landscape of Same-Sex Marriage in Italy

  Italy has experienced a slow and complicated journey towards noticing same-sex relationships. Although Italy was among the first in the European Union to decriminalize homosexualityin 1890, the road to full legal equality for same-sex couplesremains incomplete.As of the latest updates in 2023, Italy acknowledges same-sex unionsbut falls short of legalizing same-sex marriage. The civil unions law of 2016marked a pivotal advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in Italy, offering lgbtq+ couples many legal protections akin to those of heterosexual marriages, albeit through a different legal status.This legislation allows for the formation of legally acknowledged same-sex unions, bestowing rights and responsibilities similar to marriage, including inheritance rights, social security benefits, and healthcare benefits. However, it notably excludes full marital rights, such as the joint adoption of children, feature