The Fathers’ Armada staged a protest in Rome, demanding that state authorities establish ‘fathers’ homes’, support centres for separated fathers left in emotional and financial difficulty after divorce. According to the Father’s Armada, Italy’s divorced mothers have access to such services, but men have no equivalent.
Sporting orange wigs and large false breasts, the dads called attention to the fact that separated moms are the only party with rights after a divorce. After a delegation of protesters met with equal opportunities minister Barbara Pollastrini to voice their grievances, Fathers’ Armada spokesman Giorgio Ceccarelli announced that a forum will soon be created to discuss the wide range of issues affecting separated dads.
Advocating father’s rights for several years, the Fathers’ Armada won an important battle in 2006, when parliament passed a law making joint custody of children the norm when parents divorce.
