ROME -- National demonstrations are set to take place on Saturday Jan. 23 in view of the upcoming parliamentary discussion on civil partnerships next week. Demonstrations have been organised by LGBT groups across the country, among which Arcigay, ArciLesbica, Agedo, Famiglie Arcobaleno and Mit.

 The mobilisation is aimed at raising public awareness around the controversial issue of civil partnerships, and encouraging the Italian government and parliament to guarantee equality for same-sex couples and LGBT people in law.

 The question of formally recognising same-sex unions has been hotly debated throughout the country, which is the last in Europe not to enshrine this right in its legislation, often blocked by the Catholic Church.

 Marilena Grassadonia, president of the Famiglie Arcobaleno association, said in a press conference in Rome that introducing such legislation would be "the first step towards equality for all citizens." Speaking of her part in the campaigns, she said that "we are all just trying to make a better, freer society. The [civil partnerships] law would improve both the state and society as a whole."

 The question of allowing adoption for same-sex couples will also be part of next week's discussions, without the inclusion of which some say the new law would be useless.

 The demonstrations, under the banner name #Svegliatitalia, will be taking place in central squares up and down the country on Saturday. In Rome it will be at 3pm outside the Pantheon, in Piazza della Rotonda.   ft