OH MY GOD!!

I cannot believe I just read an article were the likely new leader of the opposition party in Italy just pledged to support civil unions for gays and lesbians if he were to defeat Berlusconi, whose mishandling of the country's economy, support for the Iraq war, and abuse of office in the attempt to shield himself from legal prosecution makes this a real possibility:

The potential leader of Italy's opposition party and former European Commission leader Romani Prodi has formally pledged to support civil unions for gay couples in Italy should he come to power.

Prodi, a staunch supporter of gay rights while leader of the E.C., wrote to the country's leading gay advocacy group citing his commitment to gay rights and legal recognition for partnerships.

Imagine how swiftly the Pope will move the Church's might to make sure he's defeated at the next elections...