Italian court addresses same-sex marriage

ROME, March 16 (UPI) -- Italy's Supreme Court says same-sex couples have a right to a family life.

ANSA reported Friday the court rejected a same-sex couple's appeal to have their foreign marriage legally recognized in Italy. The court, however, said the couple have a right to a family life.

Activists say the ruling could push the government to address the country's ban on gay marriage, the Italian news agency said.

"The ruling says that gay couples must also enjoy the same legal rights as any heterosexual couple," Fabrizio Marrazzo, spokesman for activist group Gay Center, said. "The words are clear and sharp. Parliament and the government must give an answer."