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In tune with its long-standing tradition for emancipated thinking, Bologna is one of the cities in Italy most open in its attitude towards homosexuality and has become regarded almost as a gay centre internationally. Bologna is the seat of the national gay movement and is considered to have reached 'the European level' of tolerance and understanding. The local council was the first in Italy to permit gay couples to apply for communal housing and Bologna was the first place in Italy to have a special Condomeria (a shop – now closed – dispensing prophylactics and advice on safe sex for both gays and heterosexuals). It has not always been a smooth ride: Pope John Paul II once condemned Emilia-Romagna as the most degenerate province in Italy partly on account of its gay tolerance. Rather than there being a defined structure much of the buzz of the city and its nightlife is fuelled by the gay community. That said, there are a number of places around the city which are specifically viewed as gay meeting points. A good website is http://www.gaybologna.net
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