An Italian court has ruled that marriages of gay couples who wed abroad cannot be registered in Italy, sparking an angry reaction from cities that had defied the government to recognise the unions.
Italy's highest administrative court annulled a ruling by a lower court which had earlier found in favour of cities from Rome to Naples and Milan which had registered such marriages, despite the fact Italy has no legal framework for gay unions.
Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, who issued an order last year banning the practice, applauded the latest ruling, saying it showed he was right to take a stand despite having provoked "controversy, sometimes violent aggression and a hail of appeals".
"Let us be clear. Marriage between two people of the same sex is not contemplated under Italian law, therefore the transcriptions made by local mayors are illegal," he said.
The decision was met in some quarters with anger if not surprise in a country where the Catholic Church - opposed to gay marriage - plays an influential role in politics.
The judge behind the ruling was forced to defend himself amid accusations he had been swayed by his Catholic beliefs, which he publicly declared on his Twitter profile, Italian media reported.
Legislators on the left joined gay rights campaigners in expressing frustration.
Foreign ministry undersecretary Benedetto Della Vedova said it was "a victory for none and a defeat for all", insisting that Italy "remains at the starting post as regards gay rights, which urgently need to be regulated".
A bill introducing civil unions for same-sex couples is currently being examined by parliament but has met fierce opposition.
AFP
