The Italian constitutional court has decided in favour of the Tuscan regional government in a dispute with the central government in Rome over the new regional statute or citizens charter, approved by the regional council in July.

The statute was contested because it contains several proposals and aims opposed by the government in Rome, including giving votes to immigrants as long as they hold a valid residence permit and the recognition of common-law couples whether they be homo-sexual or bi-sexual.

The court ruled that the document is a proposal or declaration of intent and as such has no legal value and can therefore not be opposed by the central government. The ruling was greeted with jubilation by the Tuscan authorities, by members of left-wing political parties and by gay rights groups.