Italy court grants same-sex parents equal paternity leave

Italy's Constitutional Court has ruled that non-biological mothers in same-sex unions are entitled to paternity leave, granting them the same rights as fathers. The court determined that a 2001 decree was unconstitutional, as it failed to recognize the right of non-biological mothers in lesbian civil unions to the mandatory 10-day leave. The ruling prioritizes the child's need for parental bonding regardless of the parents' sexual orientation. This decision follows a similar ruling in May, and comes amid the government's efforts to restrict surrogacy and promote traditional family structures. LGBTQ+ advocates have celebrated the ruling as a victory for equality.