Italy’s parliament has made a significant legislative move by officially incorporating femicide into the nation’s criminal law, imposing a life sentence for those convicted of this grave offense. This critical decision was reached on the same day that coincides with the international day for the elimination of violence against women, underscoring the law’s importance within a global context.
The law received overwhelming bipartisan support, earning 237 votes in favor during a recent session in the Lower Chamber. It was championed by the government of Premier Giorgia Meloni, responding emphatically to a distressing series of violent acts against women in the country. In addition to formalizing the crime of femicide, the law also proposes heightened penalties for other gender-based offenses, including stalking and revenge porn.
The urgency for such legislative reform has been amplified by tragic cases such as the murder of university student Giulia Cecchettin in 2023, which ignited public discourse surrounding Italy’s patriarchal issues and the societal undercurrents that foster this violence.
In a statement reinforcing the government’s commitment to combating these issues, Meloni highlighted increased funding for anti-violence centers, the promotion of emergency hotlines, and innovative educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness. “These are concrete steps forward, but we won’t stop here. We must continue to do much more, every day,” she asserted.
Despite the law’s passage, concerns linger among opposition parties that the government’s approach focuses too heavily on criminalization while neglecting the economic and cultural dimensions of the issue. Italy’s national statistics agency, Istat, reported 106 femicides in 2024, with 62 of these deaths attributed to partners or former partners, emphasizing the need for broader societal solutions.
In parallel, the debate surrounding sexual and emotional education in schools is intensifying. A proposed government law aims to ban such education for elementary students and limit it in high schools, requiring explicit parental consent for lessons. This measure has prompted criticism from opposition parties and activists, who argue it falls short of necessary preventative education. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, highlighted Italy’s position as one of the few European countries without compulsory sex and relationship education, advocating for educational reform as a critical tool for prevention.
As Italy grapples with these pressing issues, the recent legislative developments signify a hopeful step forward, focusing on the need for comprehensive measures to protect women and foster a culture of respect and equality.