The secret ballot "is decided by Parliament, not by the CEI, and I say this with esteem for Cardinal Bagnasco". Thus the Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, replied decisively on Friday morning from the microphones of Radio Anch'io to the statements of the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference. On Thursday Angelo Bagnasco had hoped that the Senate vote on civil unions would take place by secret ballot, in order to "promote" the freedom of conscience of parliamentarians.
“I really like the idea that a parliamentarian is responsible for the vote he gives and explains it – specified Renzi -. After that, the Parliament's regulation provides for a secret vote and if the conditions are right, Grasso, not the CEI, will decide it".
Even the president of the Senate, Pietro Grasso, reiterated that there must be no interference: “It seems to me that we can say that I respect all opinions on the merits and it is right that everyone can express themselves, there is freedom of expression. On the procedures, however, there is the prerogative of the republican institutions to decide”.
Again on Radio Anch'io, the Premier said that "it is sacrosanct to make a law on civil unions, and we are finally here after years of postponements", but he also reiterated that he is "very opposed to surrogacy and surrogacy: more must be done to ban the principle not only in Italy but also in other countries. On rights, on the other hand, enough postponements. What fear are two people who love each other? Why should the state prevent them from having rights?”.
