18 August 2006

Citizenship and respect for civil rights

The case of Hina Saleem, the young woman from Pakistan killed by her father because she lived with a young Italian man, must give reason to reflect on the proposed law for citizenship for those who reside in our country for 5 years.
The number of years is an important factor and it is probable that it would be better to increase the time. Sticking to the values of the Constitution is also important.
But in my opinion, to get Italian citizenship, the most important things is the respect for the fundamental values underlying living together in society. Among these is the free choice of a marriage partner.
Hina’s father has had a regular job for more than 10 years. He has the documents necessary to get citizenship right now without the need for a new law.
Together with a new law on citizenship what are needed are severe punishments for those who violate civil rights, for example by marriages that are arranged and enforced.
Civil rights are not negotiable. Those who don’t respect them must not be allowed to obtain Italian citizenship.

Posted by Antonio Di Pietro in Society