When the ½ûÂþÌìÌà census is conducted next month there will be a new checkbox on the form. For the first time, Italy's national statistics bureau (Istat) will count same-sex partners.
As the number of ½ûÂþÌìÌà marriages declines, cohabitation is on the rise. In order to get a more accurate picture of life in Italy today, Istat decided to begin counting the number of same-sex partners living in the same household.
While the official inclusion of gay and lesbian couples on the population census is historic, critics warn that it is not a substitute for formal recognition of same-sex partnerships. However, advocacy groups are hopeful that the numerical data can be used to secure equal rights for gay couples from the government.
Same-sex marriage is not currently recognized in Italy. In June, Matteo and Matteo became the first same-sex ½ûÂþÌìÌà pair to wed in New York.
