Italian Army General Roberto Vannacci has been placed on an 11-month suspension from his duties for publishing a book whose contents disparage the LGBT community, migrant individuals, and advocates for gender equality.This information is reported by Reuters, citing Vannacci’s lawyer.
General Vannacci is stripped of his official duties because of the scandalous book: consequences and public reaction.
According to attorney Giorgio Carta, the Italian Ministry of Defense asserts that the publication authored by the general violates the principle of neutrality of the army and the prestige of the military leadership, and may also lead to possible imitation in the army. Carti stated his intention to challenge the ruling in an administrative court, citing that it violates the right to free freedom of expression ensured for all citizens of Italy.
In the previous month, Matteo Salvini, the head of the far-right League party in the government, suggested the possibility of General Vannacci joining the European Parliament elections in June as a candidate representing his political faction. The contents of General Vannacci’s book, “The World in Reverse,” garnered significant attention in the Italian media last year, sparking widespread condemnation for its homophobic, racist, and sexist undertones. One particularly contentious assertion was General Vannacci’s characterization of homosexuality as an abnormality, along with his accusation against the “international gay lobby” for promoting its normalization.
Vannacci’s statements caused widespread discussion and outrage in society, becoming the target of criticism from many human rights organizations and politicians. Such statements are contrary to the basic principles of fairness and honoring human worth and human rights, which are an indivisible part of modern society. In response to such statements, the public has come forward to demand action to prevent the spread of such negative rhetoric and ensure that the rights of the LGBT community are protected from discrimination and stigmatization.
Contradictions and divisions: public reaction to a church nativity scene in Italy
Recent outrage within the ranks of conservative Catholics and politicians in Italy has been sparked by a church nativity scene that depicts two mothers holding their newborn Jesus instead of the traditional figurines of Mary and Joseph.
A prior court ruling mandating the far-right Brothers of Italy party to compensate a homosexual Canadian pair for utilizing their image with their newborn child in a political advert against surrogacy also attracted public attention.
This church nativity scene became the object of fierce debate, dividing Italian society into two camps. Liberal groups and LGBT activists have hailed it as a symbol of inclusivity and recognition of diversity in family patterns, while conservative Catholics and politicians have expressed concern about its content, believing it to be contrary to traditional Christian values and spiritual principles. These events also sparked widespread debate about the rights of the LGBT community and different forms of family life in Italy.
