Baby Steps of Progress in Italy

Italy, the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Church, isn't known for its progressive stance on gay rights.  Italy is one of the only European countries that still does not offer some form of legal recognition to same-sex couples.  But the pendulum is starting to swing a bit...

On the 15th of March, 2012, the Italian Supreme Court (Corte Suprema di Cassazione) issued a two-pronged ruling in the most important gay rights case thus far in that country.  The case revolved around an Italian same-sex couple who were legally married outside of Italy, and who sued the state to have their marriage recognized by the Italian government.

The Supreme Court ruled that the government does not, at this point in time, have to recognize same-sex marriage contracted in other countries, which seems like a defeat.  But the second part of the ruling is where it gets good.

Wedding Issue Selling Like Hotcakes

Just thought this was kind of cool:

The latest issue of Life with Archie comic books, featuring the wedding of Kevin Keller, has sold out at most shops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Some religious nuts have complained (naturally, as if they don't have more important things to do), threatening to boycott one of the world's biggest toy stores, Toys 'R' Us, for selling and openly displaying the comics in their stores.  Their grumbling has been to no avail though, because the majority of people don't have a problem with the same-sex marriage theme, or with their children seeing two married men on the front cover.

Kudos to Archie Comics for making Riverdale an inclusive community!  It goes to show that kids can still learn important values through reading comics.

No word yet, however, on when or where the comic will be sold in the Philippines.