Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Rome to speak against a proposed bill that will allow legal recognition of civil unions in Italy. A protest rally held over the weekend attracted large crowds.
The bill, which is due to be voted on this month, has been a divisive issue in Italian Parliament for many months.
Organiser Simone Pillon says the people want the whole bill withdrawn, and will not accept amendments.
“We cannot let children pay for the desires or caprices of adults,” Pillon said, “Children need to have a father and a mother.”
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had pledged to pass a law by the end of 2015, but has faced an unexpectedly fierce opposition to the move.
The organisers have claimed over two million people took part in the march, but this claim has been dismissed by authorities. The Circus Maximus, an ancient stadium in Rome, has a capaicty of 350,000.
Twitter user L’Indro captured an image of the march.
Family Day: la faccia triste dell’Italia. #FamilyDay #Italiahttps://t.co/EOKGswVEEt pic.twitter.com/CFwJjoATTr
— L’Indro (@l_indro) February 1, 2016
