Four mothers, each part of a same-sex couple, formally registered their parental status in Turin on Monday, with Mayor Stefano Lo Russo personally signing the documents. This action follows a pivotal Constitutional Court ruling on May 22nd, which declared unconstitutional the ban preventing the “intentional mother” (the non-biological parent) from legally recognizing a child born in Italy via medically assisted reproduction legitimately performed abroad.
“Thanks to the Constitutional Court’s ruling, this right can now be guaranteed by visiting any registry office,” stated Mayor Lo Russo. He hailed the development as “wonderful news,” emphasizing that recognition is “no longer discretionary.” However, he expressed political frustration: “It took the Constitutional Court to intervene because Parliament failed to act. We hope this spurs Parliament to legislate. This recognition ensures both mothers have equal rights and duties, and that the children have the same rights as others.” Lo Russo added, “It’s no secret our administration supports equal marriage. This recognition is an intermediate step after a long, arduous legal journey.”
The four couples, some holding their children and accompanied by grandparents, attended the registration at city hall. Lo Russo explained the ruling’s procedural impact: “The Constitutional Court’s decision also allows registry officials to sign these recognitions for intentional mothers under a permanent delegation from the mayor. Until now, this was the only type of recognition that couldn’t be delegated. I am signing today, but it will no longer be necessary.”
The registration utilized the standard “Recognition of Filiation” form, where one mother recognizes a child already recognized by the other (biological) mother. “The Constitutional Court thus upholds the values of equality; this is a matter of great civility,” Lo Russo asserted. “Parliament must now go further.” He recalled that current city councillor Chiara Foglietta was “the first to obtain recognition of her child in Turin back in 2018,” crediting former City Director Anna Tornielli for first registering such an act, enabling his predecessor, Mayor Chiara Appendino, to authorize that recognition.