Attendance Surpasses Expectations
ROME, MAY 13, 2007 (Zenit.org).- More than 1 million pro-family supporters gathered in the piazza of St. John Lateran in Rome to support marriage based on the relationship of a man and a woman.
The event marked the first Family Day in Italy, convoked by 450 family and Christian associations as part of a campaign to defend heterosexual marriage in the face of proposals to give legal recognition to same-sex couples. The proposal would not, however, legalize homosexual "marriage."
The event drew an unexpectedly large crowd. Organizers estimated that nearly 1.5 million attended the event, reported the Associated Press.
The theme of the day was "More Family." Signboards visible in the square said "Family, an invention of God," and "Family, hope of the world."
The rally counted on support of various Catholic lay organizations and movements, Christian churches and associations, and representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities of Rome.
The demonstrators were entertained by singers, speakers and a brief video featuring Pope John Paul II.
In the final address of the rally, Giovanni Giacobbe, president of the Forum of Family Associations, said: "We are here today to make the voice of Italian families heard with more force."
Savino Pezzotta, a spokesman for the day, said that the rally is not meant to divide the country or stir up conflict.
He added: "Here there is no manipulation of religion, but neither is religion prohibited from illuminating the consciences of people -- believers or nonbelievers.
"For a believer faith is not irrelevant to the construction of society."
Code: ZE07051206
Date: 2007-05-13