The first registered civil union in Italy for formalized in Castel San Pietro, near Bologna, on July 24. The lesbian couple is considered the first same-sex couple to enter into a civil partnership in Italy, 50 days after the law passed and the bill entered into full effect. The mayor of the city conducted the ceremony, considered an event that made history in Italy. Italy was the last within western counties to recognize and allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. Italy has made a big step toward equality — hopefully the next one will be the recognition of gay marriage.