Italy’s constitutional court has ruled there is no provision in the country’s constitution to force the provision of same-sex marriage rights.

In a ruling arising from a case brought by gay activists that gay people faced discrimination in being unable to wed, the Court of Cassation declared that there was, in fact, nothing discriminatory in the refusal by legislators to alter or create legislation to redefine marriage. Italy’s constitutional definition of the family is one of “a natural society founded on marriage”.

While dealing a blow to advocates of same-sex marriage, in its ruling the Court of Cassation further called on government to offer recognition and legal protections to same-sex unions.

The issue of same-sex unions is one to be dealt with by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who proposed legislation on the matter following his election in 2014.

The court’s ruling stands as broadly reflective of attitudes to same-sex marriage and unions in Italy today. A recent poll conducted by the European Institute of Political, Economic and Social Studies (Eurispes) found that 59.2% of Italians stand opposed to full marriage rights for gay couples. However, 64.4% of Italians believe that all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, should enjoy equal protections under Italian law. On gay adoption, 72.2% voiced opposition.