''We're fed up with waiting for a law,'' Francesca Polo, head of Arcilesbica, told the Italian news agency ANSA. ''What's important for us is that the existence of a couple who have a longstanding relationship should be written down on a piece of paper.''

Aurelia Mancuso, head of Arcigay, said he hopes events will be held in at least 50 cities, giving couples a chance to make a public statement. Organizers said they realize the vows will have no official standing but they plan to collect documents and send them to Rome, preparing a register in hopes they eventually will be recognized.

Gay Pride Days are scheduled for Oct. 18-19.