Italy court rules against “father-only” surnameNovember 9, 2016 - 10:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italy's constitutional court has ruled against legislation that automatically gives children of married couples the father's surname, BBC News reports. Lawyers argued that preventing families from giving children their mother's surname discriminated against women. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had earlier condemned the legislation - which dates from Roman times - and ordered Italy to change it. Campaigners hailed Tuesday, November 8's ruling and called for parliament to endorse it. "The court has declared the unlawfulness of rules providing for the automatic attribution of the paternal surname to legitimate children, when the parents wish otherwise," the constitutional court said in a statement. The case involved an Italian-Brazilian couple who wanted to give their son both their surnames, as is traditional in many Spanish-speaking countries. After their request was rejected by Italian authorities, they took the case to the ECHR, which ruled in their favour in 2014. It said the law was incompatible with the principle of gender equality enshrined in Italy's modern constitution. Italy's lower house has approved a bill aimed at changing the law, but it has been blocked in the Senate for years. "The Constitutional Court has taken a decision of great importance for our society," campaigner and left-wing MP Fabrizia Giuliani is quoted as saying by AFP news agency. "The senate no longer has any excuse for not abolishing this anachronism and giving women their right in this matter." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |