Italian PM says it's better to love beautiful women than be gay

Rome - Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been the subject of controversy since entering into office. In an attempt to dismiss calls for his resignation by both allies and opponents, Berlusconi has caused more uproar.

It is no secret that Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi loves young women. There have been numerous reports and images highlighting Berlusconi’s lifestyle at his multi-million dollar villa in Milan. Italian citizens, opposition parties and his own allies have called for his resignation because his “antics have embarrassed the country.” According to Agence-France Presse, a most recent case comes from the opposition who has accused Berlusconi of abusing his power by interfering in a possible criminal case. In May, newspapers reported that the Italian Prime Minister may have told Milan police that the 17-year-old Ruby, who was detained for alleged theft, was going to be taken into custody by a local party official. In defense of his lifestyle, Berlusconi told a trade fair on Tuesday that it’s “better to be passionate about a beautiful girl than be gay.” Berlusconi’s remarks have made headlines across the globe and have prompted gay rights groups to demand an apology and resignation. The Associated Press reports that the President of Arcigay, a gay rights group in Italy, Paolo Pantane, wrote a letter to the Minister of Equal Opportunity, Mara Carfagna, which stated that Berlusconi’s comments “represent a dangerous incitement to prejudice and helps legitimize discrimination, injustice and suffering.” Carfagna responded: “He absolutely never intended to offend women or homosexuals.” Nevertheless, Berlusconi assured supporters that his government still maintains a majority and that the party will still be in power for the last 3 years of its 5-year term. He also brushed off calls for an early election because he believes it would be a disaster for a country already in economic catastrophe.