For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below:In the past, the Vatican has objected to Italian laws legalizing abortion and divorce and backed unsuccessful referendums after the fact to try to repeal them.The proposed law adds women and people who are gay, transgender or have disabilities to the classes of those protected under a law banning discrimination and punishing hate crimes.
It was approved by the lower house last November, but remains stalled in a Senate commission by objections from Italy's right wing."We support the Zan law, and naturally we are open to dialogue,'' on any legal issues, Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta told RAI state radio Tuesday.