Italy's highest court rules calling someone 'gay' is no longer an insult

Judges say the term 'homosexual' no longer has 'an intrinsically offensive meaning'

Italy became the last major Western country to recognise same-sex unions (Getty Images)

Calling a heterosexual person “gay” cannot be considered an insult, Italy’s highest court has ruled.

Judges have said the term “homosexual” no longer has “an intrinsically offensive meaning,” and annulled a fine a man was ordered to pay for using the term in 2015.

The ruling states homosexuality relates to a “neutral” sexual preference and was not harmful to the reputation of the complainant, reports Italian news agency ANSA.

Italy became the last major Western country to recognise same-sex unions this year, following a long-running battle by campaigners.

The final bill was passed with major concessions following fierce criticism from the Catholic Church.

Allowing gay people to adopt their partner’s children was removed, as were references for the need to be faithful following fears civil unions would be too similar to marriage.

In 2006, an Oxford University student was arrested for asking a policeman: “Excuse me, do you realise your horse is gay?”

Sam Brown was taken to court but the case was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was not enough evidence to prove he had been “disorderly”.