We have confirmed new legal interpretations regarding Italian citizenship by descent, which affect administrative applications made through consulates and municipalities. Under the new guidelines, minors born in jus soli countries (like the U.S., Canada, or Australia) who gained foreign citizenship when their parent naturalized can only retain Italian citizenship if they formally elected to do so within one year of reaching adulthood (age 21). This new interpretation applies immediately to administrative cases, but does not impact judicial cases, such as 1948 cases, although some earlier court rulings have led to rejections in similar situations.
Same-Sex Marriages, Adoptions, and Surrogacy Laws in Italy
Italy presents significant legal challenges for same-sex couples, particularly in the areas of marriage, adoption, and surrogacy. While civil unions provide some legal rights, they do not offer the full recognition or protections of marriage, especially regarding joint adoption. Surrogacy is strictly prohibited, with recent laws even criminalizing Italians who seek surrogacy abroad. For American same-sex couples considering Italian citizenship, it's crucial to understand these limitations before proceeding. Italy's legal landscape remains restrictive, and the fight for equal rights continues amidst a backdrop of conservative resistance.