Two women have been hailed as 'brave' after they decided kiss one another while stood next to a far-right Italian leader who has previously condemned same-sex relationships.
The viral selfie, which is now being circulated on social media, shows the two students make their powerful stand as the Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stands next to them at a rally in Caltanissetta, Sicily.
The political figure, who had been attending a rally for a member of the League Party's bid for mayor, sparked outrage last month after attending a World Congress of Parties conference in Verona.
According to the organisation's website, the US-founded conference seeks to 'defend the natural family as the only fundamental and sustainable unit of society' and opposes same-sex relationships and abortions.
The photo, which has now ignited an international conversation, shows Mr Salvini smile and appear to be oblivious as the young women next to him kiss.
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The viral picture was taken by one of the pictured women, called Gaia, who initially took to Instagram on Thursday to share the powerful image.
Speaking to Euronews Gaia said: 'When the minister urged those present to take the stage and take a selfie with him, we had this idea because he participated in World Congress of Families.
‘We made a provocative, instinctive gesture, not at all premeditated.
'On stage, Salvini did not expect us to take a picture like this. ‘When we kissed an agent, I think, separated us sharply and Salvini then told us “I wish you luck” so we took off thanking him ironically.’
Italian activist Marco Furfaro shared his support for the two by posting the image on his Facebook page.
A message next to the photo read: 'Caltanissetta protesters. Love beats hate 3-0. Trolling Salvini to the extreme. You rock Gaia and Matilde.’
The decision to create the now viral image was ignited after Mr Salvini chose to attend the controversial anti-LGBT and anti-abortion three-day conference last month.
A statement on the World Congress of Families website read: 'Since the family is the original social institution that lays the foundation of a good society, with the support of the Italian Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, the Minister for Family and Disability, Lorenzo Fontana, the Governor of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia and the Mayor of Verona, Federico Sboarina the city of Verona is proud to host, after Budapest and Chisinau, the World Congress of Families, XIII.'
This is not the first time the political leader has sparked anger for his controversial decisions.
Earlier this month the Deputy Prime Minister was criticised for refusing to attend Italy's Liberation day that commemorates the country's fight against fascism.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
