Italian MPs back same-sex unions

Italy's parliament has backed same-sex civil unions in a vote of confidence for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Until Wednesday's vote Italy had been the last major Western democracy not to legally recognise gay partnerships.

The issue has been highly controversial in Italy, amid staunch opposition from Catholic conservatives.

MPs in the lower house voted 369-193 for the government, ensuring that the civil unions bill will become law.

Ahead of the vote, Mr Renzi wrote on Facebook that "today is a day of celebration for so many".

Final approval of civil unions is expected later on Wednesday, but that vote by MPs is seen as a formality, as the confidence vote was the crucial hurdle.

After many delays the civil unions bill was watered down in order to secure the necessary support.