The World Congress of Families, an anti-gay and reproductive rights conference organized by a designated hate group, opened in the northern Italian city of Verona on Friday amid tight security.
Several prominent members of the governing League party are expected to attend the controversial three-day event, despite their coalition partner calling it a gathering for “right-wing losers”. Pro-rights groups are planning a counterdemonstration on Saturday to coincide with the arrival of Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, who has said he will attend “to defend the family that consists of a mother and a father”.