Italy’s Catholic bishops have condemned a proposed law that would fast-track divorce in their country.
Legislation to allow divorce in 6 months where both parties agree, and 12 months where they don’t, has passed in Italy’s lower house of Parliament.
It now heads to Italy’s Senate, where it is expected to pass.
“Speedy divorce will not help anyone,” Italian bishops’ conference spokesman Msgr Nunzio Galantino said.
The proposed law also does away with a three-month separation waiting period.
Catholic daily Avvenire also editorialised against the proposed law, calling it a “bad political message” and expressing concern for its effects on young people.
Divorce was legalised in Italy in 1970, but the country has what is considered one of the slowest procedures in Europe.