The European court’s ruling that Italy must establish some form of civil union for same-sex couples (theguardian.com, 21 July) is a missed opportunity to recognise the full equality of gay and lesbian people. All it establishes is that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the benefits of family life that come from marriage. It does not address the systemic discrimination that gay and lesbian people are subjected to and the harm that flows from this, including the denial of refusing to recognise same-sex relationships. It does not establish that gay and lesbian couples are equal to straight couples. It confirms that they do not have the human right to marry. Once full equality is established, the question then is what does that equality demand? Does it require equal marriage?
Jonathan Cooper
Chief executive, Human Dignity Trust
