Same-Sex Nativity Scene Angers Conservatives in Italy as 'Blasphemous'
Italian conservatives are up in arms over an alternative spin on a nativity scene they are calling "blasphemous."
As reported by Reuters, a church nativity scene featuring two mothers and a Baby Jesus, sparked anger and outrage among conservative Catholics and politicians in Italy.
The nativity scenes are popular festive displays during this time of year, and having two women take the places of Mary and Joseph has further punched the country into a culture war.
However, a priest at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, in Capocastello di Mercogliano, defended the display featuring two women.
"I wanted to show with this scene that families are no longer just the traditional ones," Father Vitaliano Della Sala told Reuters. "In our parishes we see more and more children from the new types of families that exist and are part of our society, children of separated and divorced people, gay couples, single people, young mothers."
Father Della Sala added that his attitude is in line with that of Pope Francis, who just last week announced that same-sex couples will be allowed blessings.
However, Sen. Maurizio Gasparri of the co-ruling Forza Italia party said the LGBT creche "offends all those who always had respect and devotion for the Holy Family."
Additionally, Pro-Vita & Famiglia (Pro-Life and Family) group called it "dangerous, as well as shameful and blasphemous" and launched a petition to remove the nativity scene. So far, the petition has gained more than 21,000 signatories.