Under a new protocol, the northern city committed to protect LGBT+ rights at city hall and other public institutions including schools, universities and healthcare facilities.
The protocol outlines measures such as establishing inclusive toilets within municipal buildings, giving students at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia at the choice of which name to use on their ID, offering staff in the local health authority additional ways to describe their gender on certain forms, and encouraging teachers and parents to discuss gender issues at local schools.
Mayor of Reggio Emilia, Luca Vecchi, described the new measures as a step towards “full rights and equal dignity for all people” in Italy.
“The first civil union was celebrated here in this city and once more we’re renewing and reaffirming our ‘no’ to all forms of discrimination,” he added.
Under Italian legislation, gay marriage is not permitted and same-sex couples have fewer parental rights than their heterosexual counterparts.
However, some cities have taken it upon themselves to push for change, adopting more progressive policies to protect LGBT+ rights at a local level.
