ABSTRACT

In analysing the dynamics of the debates, we paid specific attention to the mediatization, politicization, and polarization of the issues, the processes of issue framing and counter-framing, the actors' positions and alliances. The politicization of the modernity-tradition polarization is interconnected with the frame of national culture and identity. This chapter is devoted to the comparative analysis of the dynamics and frames of the debates. During the first phase the focus was on the recognition of the LGBT identity. LGBT activists contributed to make the issue public based on the language of rights and non-discrimination. The Catholic Church contributed in raising media attention, framing same-sex marriage as a danger to the public good, based on the broad argument of natural law. It addressed the issue of identity mainly through the analysis of the 'crucifix' issue. In many debates, and particularly those related to migration, Catholicism is presented as a crucial element of Italian tradition, albeit in various different forms.