Rome, Europe Brief News- Italian children should be given the surnames of both parents, the constitutional court has ruled on Thursday.
The decision cancelled the Italian tradition of all newborns being automatically named after their fathers.
The court ruled that the nation’s longstanding norm is “discriminatory and harmful to the identity” of the child, and said both parents should be able to choose the surname.
Italy’s family minister says ruling is a ‘fundamental step in achieving equal rights between women and men.’
The court ruled that the historical norm is “discriminatory and harmful to the identity” of the child, and said both parents should be able to choose the surname.
Italy’s parliament is now due to approve new legislation to align with the court’s ruling.
“This issue has been dragging on from one parliamentary term to the next, it is time to decide,” said Renate Gebhard, president of the South Tyrolean People’s Party (SVP).
“It is now up to Parliament to make this leap forward in terms of civilisation,” added Laura Boldrini, an MP for the Democratic Party.
“Parents have equal responsibility and equal rights, no more discrimination that penalises mothers and children.”
Italy’s Family Minister Elena Bonetti said on Facebook the government would fully support the new law.
“We need to give substance [to the decision] and it is a high priority and urgent task of politics to do so,” she wrote, adding that parents should take equal responsibility for a child’s upbringing.
