Italian PM rejects Trudeau's criticism
(Rome) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejects Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's criticism of his stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
The far-right leader made the claim on Sunday local time at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
On Friday, Trudeautold Meloni that "Canada is concerned about some of the positions Italy is taking on LGBT rights," adding that he wanted to raise the issue with her.
Trudeau made the statement during the brief portion of a bilateral meeting that was accessible to the media.
Ms. Meloni appeared annoyed, playing with her thumbs and listening silently, while Mr. Trudeau summarized his remarks in French. Reporters then left the room, leaving the two leaders to talk.
Asked about this Sunday by a journalist, the Italian prime minister said she was "victim" of "fake news" and propaganda, maintaining that the perception of Mr. Trudeau "does not correspond to reality".
Earlier this year, the Meloni government instructed city halls to stop automatically registering both parents of the same sex, and only recognize the parental right of the biological parent. Gay rights activists have staged protests to denounce the decision, arguing it is homophobic.
An official account of the bilateral meeting provided Friday by Prime Minister Trudeau's office said the two leaders "... exchanged views on the importance of protecting and defending human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+2ndpersons."
"Premier Meloni responded that her government respects the decisions of the courts and remains faithful to the position of previous administrations," Trudeau's office added at the time.
The G7 Summit is due to end on Sunday.
The far-right leader made the claim on Sunday local time at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
On Friday, Trudeautold Meloni that "Canada is concerned about some of the positions Italy is taking on LGBT rights," adding that he wanted to raise the issue with her.
Trudeau made the statement during the brief portion of a bilateral meeting that was accessible to the media.
Ms. Meloni appeared annoyed, playing with her thumbs and listening silently, while Mr. Trudeau summarized his remarks in French. Reporters then left the room, leaving the two leaders to talk.
Asked about this Sunday by a journalist, the Italian prime minister said she was "victim" of "fake news" and propaganda, maintaining that the perception of Mr. Trudeau "does not correspond to reality".
Earlier this year, the Meloni government instructed city halls to stop automatically registering both parents of the same sex, and only recognize the parental right of the biological parent. Gay rights activists have staged protests to denounce the decision, arguing it is homophobic.
An official account of the bilateral meeting provided Friday by Prime Minister Trudeau's office said the two leaders "... exchanged views on the importance of protecting and defending human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+2ndpersons."
"Premier Meloni responded that her government respects the decisions of the courts and remains faithful to the position of previous administrations," Trudeau's office added at the time.
The G7 Summit is due to end on Sunday.
