Italy took another small step forward in the fight for same-sex marriage this week, as Rome city council’s assembly gave approval to a register for civil unions.

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.

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”.

He said: “This is not only an act of civility and respect of people, but it aligns us with the rest of the western world, in line with the principal European countries with whom we share our political and cultural history.”

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