Rome hosts large rally against same-sex unions and gay adoption

Priests shouts slogans during a rally against same-sex unions and gay adoption in Rome, Italy January 30, 2016. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Italians staged a mass rally in Rome's Circus Maximus on Saturday to urge the government to drop legislation that offers homosexual couples legal recognition and limited adoption rights.

The much-contested bill was presented to parliament last week and is due to be voted on in February, but the government itself is deeply divided over the issue and opponents are hopeful they can sink it, as they have done it the past.