Italy protesters back gay rights
10 March 2007

Thousands of protesters have streamed into a piazza in central Rome to show their support for government proposals to grant rights to gay couples.

Waving rainbow coloured-flags, the 50,000-strong crowd voiced support for a bill giving gay couples legal status.

"Wake up, it's time for our rights!" some shouted. Others donned bishop's mitres with anti-Vatican slogans.

The bill was approved by Italy's cabinet last week but faces a tough battle through parliament. the rest

From NPR, a longish report from Sylvia Poggioli: Italian Lawmakers to Debate Civil Unions Bill