Gay marriage laws in italy
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 knowing 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 same-sex couples many legal protections akin to those of heterosexual marriages, albeit through a different legal status.This legislation allows for the formation of legally recognized same-sex unions, bestowing rights and responsibilities similar to marriage, including inheritance rights, social security benefits, and healthcare benefits. However, it notably excludes entire marital rights, such as the joint adoption of children, highlightMarriage Equality Around the World
The Human Rights Campaign tracks developments in the legal recognition of same-sex marriage around the earth. Working through a worldwide network of HRC global alumni and partners, we lift up the voices of people, national and regional advocates and contribute 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 Combined Kingdom, the Merged 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 Queer 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 homosexual couples, particularly regarding marriage, adoption, and surrogacy. For Americans in same-sex marriages who are considering pursuing Italian citizenship, it is pivotal 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 statute passed in May 2016. These unions provide most of the legal rights associated with marriage, such as inheritance rights and the ability to craft medical decisions for a partner. However, they fall concise in key areas, notably in the absence of shared adoption rights. The law does notice 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 end short of granting
Same sex marriages, civil partnerships and the law in Italy
Civil partnerships were legalised in Italy in 2016 after a bill to allow such unions, as adequately 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, homosexual couples can join through civil union. In command to validly establish a civil union, the couple must jointly make a declaration 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 existence of any causes that would prevent 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 establish a civil union
- The willingness