Koblenz (Fides Service) - “I am delighted with Italy’s non vote in the referendum on fertility treatment law” Dr. Norbert Martin, Professor of Sociology at the University of Koblenz, Germany, and member of the Pontifical Council for the Family told Fides with regard to the 12-13 June referendum in Italy on the present law on fertility treatment. Results so far show that the referendum failed obtain the requested 50% of eligible voters to be valid. “I was most impressed by the commitment of both the Italian Bishops and the laity - Dr Martin said-. This commitment and the outcome are an example for the rest of Europe where similar questions are being debated in many countries. This is unquestionably a great success for the unitary action of the Church in Italy and I express my congratulations”.
The today’s news reports the principle media in Germany say the low number of voters in the referendum is a “victory for the Catholic Church in Italy” which encouraged people to use their right to respond with a non vote. And the mention the united effort of the Bishops of Italy. (MS) (Agenzia Fides 13/06/2005 - righe 14, parole 194)