Italy's highest court rules calling someone 'gay' is no longer an insult
Judges say the term 'homosexual' no longer has 'an intrinsically offensive meaning'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Calling a heterosexual person “gay” cannot be considered an insult, Italy’s highest court has ruled.
Judges have said the term “homosexual” no longer has “an intrinsically offensive meaning,” and annulled a fine a man was ordered to pay for using the term in 2015.
The ruling states homosexuality relates to a “neutral” sexual preference and was not harmful to the reputation of the complainant, reports Italian news agency ANSA.
Italy became the last major Western country to recognise same-sex unions this year, following a long-running battle by campaigners.
The final bill was passed with major concessions following fierce criticism from the Catholic Church.
Allowing gay people to adopt their partner’s children was removed, as were references for the need to be faithful following fears civil unions would be too similar to marriage.
In 2006, an Oxford University student was arrested for asking a policeman: “Excuse me, do you realise your horse is gay?”
Sam Brown was taken to court but the case was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was not enough evidence to prove he had been “disorderly”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments