Italy’s Progressive Step: Cosenza Recognizes Child of Two Mothers Amid Political Backlash from Right-Wing FDI
Cosenza, Italy – August 30, 2025 – In a landmark decision underscoring Italy’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights, the municipality of Cosenza has officially recognized a two-year-old girl as the daughter of two mothers, following a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court. The move, executed by Mayor Franz Caruso of the center-left Democratic Party (PD), has drawn sharp criticism from Fratelli d’Italia (FDI), the ruling right-wing party led by Premier Giorgia Meloni. FDI representatives have accused the mayor of overstepping legal boundaries, with one prominent voice claiming, “He couldn’t do it,” igniting a heated political debate on family rights, constitutional compliance, and the role of local authorities in advancing equality.
The child, born to Melina Merli and Maria Ammirata—a married same-sex couple—has now been legally acknowledged as the offspring of both women in official records. This recognition stems from the Constitutional Court’s May 22, 2025, sentence, which declared unconstitutional the prohibition preventing the “intending mother” (non-biological parent) from recognizing a child born via medically assisted reproduction abroad. The court emphasized that denying such rights violates principles of equality and non-discrimination under the Italian Constitution. Cosenza becomes one of the first cities in southern Italy—and the inaugural in Calabria—to implement this ruling promptly, setting a precedent for other municipalities.
Mayor Caruso hailed the decision as a “battle for legality and civilization,” stating during a press conference, “Cosenza reaffirms its culture of welcome and sharing, against all forms of differentiation and discrimination. This demonstrates that our city is a democratic stronghold for everyone’s rights.” The couple, both active in local advocacy, expressed profound relief and joy. “These are battles of legality and civilization that we must fight together,” said Ammirata and Merli in a joint statement. They plan to pursue adding Ammirata’s surname to the child’s documents through judicial channels, further solidifying the family’s legal ties.
Political Firestorm: FDI’s Attack on the PD Mayor
The recognition has swiftly become a flashpoint in Italy’s polarized political landscape. FDI, known for its conservative views on family structures and opposition to same-sex parenting rights, has launched a vehement critique. In a statement circulated on social media and reported by local outlets, an FDI spokesperson attacked Mayor Caruso, arguing that the transcription exceeds current legislative authority and undermines traditional family values. “He couldn’t do it—local officials cannot unilaterally rewrite national laws on parentage,” the spokesperson declared, echoing sentiments from party leaders who view the court’s ruling as a judicial overreach rather than a binding mandate.
This criticism aligns with FDI’s broader platform, which has historically resisted expansions of LGBTQ+ family rights. During the 2022 election campaign, Meloni’s party pledged to protect the “traditional family” and limit recognitions of same-sex unions. The backlash has been amplified by national figures within FDI, who accuse PD-led administrations of using such cases for political gain. “This is not about rights; it’s about ideology overriding common sense,” one FDI parliamentarian posted on X, garnering thousands of engagements and sparking debates on the platform.
In response, PD officials, including Caruso, defended the action as a direct fulfillment of the Constitutional Court’s directive. “We are simply applying the law as interpreted by Italy’s highest court. Denying this would be unconstitutional,” Caruso retorted in an interview. The mayor’s decision mirrors similar progress in northern cities like Lecco, where Mayor Cristina Gattinoni supported a comparable recognition, contrasting with resistance in other locales. A parallel case in Lecco highlighted a “feud” between mayors: one PD-aligned leader embraced the change, while another hesitated, citing bureaucratic hurdles.
Context: Italy’s Ongoing Struggle for LGBTQ+ Family Rights
This development builds on a series of legal victories for same-sex families in Italy, a country where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and assisted reproduction for LGBTQ+ couples is restricted domestically. The 2025 Constitutional Court ruling addressed a gap left by previous legislation, allowing intending parents in same-sex couples to register as legal guardians without needing adoption proceedings. Advocacy groups like Arcigay Cosenza, which co-organized the upcoming Cosenza Pride 2025 event, praised the move as a “vital step toward equality.”
However, implementation has been uneven. In Bologna, for instance, the PD secretary Federica Mazzoni criticized right-wing prosecutors for challenging similar birth registrations, calling it “institutional homophobia.” Nationwide, over 30 such cases have faced scrutiny, with some families still awaiting document updates months after court decisions. Critics from the left argue that FDI’s opposition reflects a deeper resistance to progressive reforms, while supporters claim it protects children’s “natural” parentage.
The Cosenza case coincides with preparations for Pride 2025, scheduled for June 2026, which will feature discussions on these advancements. Organizers, including Arcigay representatives, plan a press conference on June 16 to outline the event, emphasizing Cosenza’s role as a beacon of inclusivity in Calabria.
Social media has exploded with reactions, from supportive posts celebrating the family’s milestone to heated exchanges between PD and FDI supporters. One viral X thread questioned, “If the Constitutional Court says it’s constitutional, why the attack?” highlighting the tension between judicial rulings and political rhetoric.
As Italy grapples with these changes, the Cosenza recognition symbolizes a quiet revolution at the local level, challenging national conservatives and advancing the cause of diverse families. Whether this sparks broader legislative reform or further polarization remains to be seen, but for Merli, Ammirata, and their daughter, it marks a personal triumph of love and legality.
Sources: Calabria Diretta News, Il Fatto Quotidiano, Fanpage.it, ANSA, X Posts