Italians are called to defend family values on the street

Catholic organisations have called for a demonstration on May 12th in Rome to defend "family values". The journalist and writer Beppe Severgnini explains why he doubts the grounds of this rally that has been baptised with an English name, 'Family Day'. "Granted, family remains the cement of Italian society. But are we sure that a demonstration needs to be organised in order to defend it? It seems to me that this is diminishing its importance. What kind of person goes down onto the street? Football fans out to party, frustrated dissidents, obscure minorities, those, for example, who go around collecting signatures to change the electoral law. ... Why doesn't family day suit me? Because of its English name? I don't think so. We are used to this linguistic sloth. The problem is more serious, it doesn't suit me because it doesn't strike me as charitable ... . Are we sure that this day isn't cruel for those suffering from solitude, failure and separation?"

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