The centre-right City Council of Bergamo have refused the organisers of a photography show called “Baci Rubati“ [“Stolen Kisses”] permission to exhibit in the city centre. The reason is that the show includes images of same-sex couples kissing.
The show, which contains photographs of all types of people kissing – heterosexual couples, relatives, friends – was intended to open for one day in the city, on May 17th, as part of the International Day against Homophobia. However, the Council feared that the images of same-sex couples kissing would upset some citizens. Now the show will open for two days in the city’s Auditorium Piazza della Libertà.
The gay community has reacted angrily to the decision and the head of Bergamo’s Arcigay organisation has said that the decision shows an intolerant attitude. Giulia Lorenzi, leader of the Bergamo branch of Arcilesbica, has criticised the Council because they had not viewed the images prior to taking their decision. Left-wing political groups have also criticised the Council’s stance.
The Council remains adamant, saying that it had to consider the sensibilities of children and the elderly.
Homosexuality has been legal in Italy since 1889 but there has been an increase in homophobic incidents since 2009 and these are commonest in the traditional South.
Do you agree with the Bergamo Council’s decision?
