(Rome) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejects Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s criticism of his stance on the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The far-right leader made the claim on Sunday local time at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
On Friday, Mr. Trudeau told Ms.me Meloni that “Canada is concerned about some of the positions Italy has taken on LGBT rights,” adding that he wanted to raise the subject with her.
Mr. Trudeau made the statement during the brief portion of a bilateral meeting that was open to the media.
Mme Meloni had then seemed annoyed, playing with her thumbs and listening in silence, while Mr. Trudeau summarized his remarks in French. The reporters then left the room, leaving the two leaders to chat.
Asked about this on Sunday by a journalist, the Italian Prime Minister said she was a “victim” of “fake news” and propaganda, arguing that Mr. Trudeau’s perception “does not correspond to reality”.
Earlier this year, the Meloni government instructed town halls to stop automatically registering both parents of the same sex, and only to recognize the parental right of the biological parent. Gay rights activists have staged protests against the decision, arguing that it is homophobic.
In an official report of the bilateral meeting provided Friday by Prime Minister Trudeau’s office, it was stated that the two leaders “have […] shared their views on the importance of protecting and defending human rights, including the rights of people 2eLGBTQI+”.
“Prime Minister Meloni replied that her government respects the decisions of the courts and remains faithful to the position of previous administrations,” added Mr. Trudeau’s cabinet at the time.
The G7 Summit is due to end on Sunday.
With The Canadian Press