The draft legislation still requires parliamentary approval. Prime Minister Prodi has said lawmakers in his divided coalition are free to vote on it according to their conscience.

• 成千上万的这项有争议法案的支持者聚集在罗马出名的纳沃那广场进行反对集会。他们说给予未婚的和同性恋夫妇权利会让意大利更加文明。