The Catholic Church was quick to condemn a vote by Rome city council to allow a register of gay civil unions, dubbing the move an “ideological bluff”.

The move, which proves controversial in the conservative country, was hailed as historic by some, as it means despite having no legal status in Italy, civil unions will now be registered in the city of Rome.

Heart-shape balloons were released after the vote at which 32 approved the move with 10 against, and one abstention.

The change was backed by Rome’s mayor Ignazio Marino, who has been a long-time supporter of same-sex civil unions, and said it was a “historic milestone”.

But Angelo Zema, the editor of the website romasette.it, which is run by the Rome diocese of the Catholic church had more to say on the matter.

Zema said the vote is “a symbolic stage in an anti-family itinerary that opens up disturbing horizons damaging children.”

Other mayors had already transcribed same-sex civil unions onto registers in other towns.