Italy Enacts Landmark Femicide Law, Imposes Life Sentences for Gender-Based Murder

Italy has officially recognized femicide as a distinct crime. The parliament passed the historic law on Tuesday. The new statute mandates life imprisonment for convicted offenders.

The vote was timed with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Lower Chamber.

Broad Support and Key Provisions of the New Statute

The final vote saw 237 lawmakers in favor. The law was backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative government. It introduces stronger measures against stalking and revenge porn.

This legislative action is a direct response to a series of high-profile killings. According to Reuters, public outrage grew after the 2023 murder of student Giulia Cecchettin. Her death sparked a national debate on patriarchal culture.

Prevention vs. Punishment: The National Debate

The government has doubled funding for anti-violence centers. An emergency hotline has also been promoted. Meloni stated these are concrete steps forward.

However, the center-left opposition argues the law only tackles criminal aspects. They believe economic and cultural issues remain unaddressed. Italy’s Istat agency recorded 106 femicides in 2024.

The debate over prevention is now heated. A separate government proposal would restrict sexual education in schools. The ruling coalition says this protects children from ideology.

Opposition leaders call the education bill medieval. They argue repression is not enough without school-based prevention. Italy is one of only seven European nations without compulsory relationship education.

This new law marks a pivotal moment for Italy. The landmark femicide law establishes the nation’s toughest stance on gender-based violence. Its success will now depend on both enforcement and a cultural shift.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly does Italy’s new femicide law do?

It legally defines femicide as a specific crime for the first time. The law imposes a life prison sentence for convictions. It also strengthens penalties for stalking and revenge porn.

When did the Italian parliament approve this law?

The law was approved on a Tuesday. The date coincided with the UN’s international day against violence towards women. The vote in the Lower Chamber was the final step.

How many femicides were recorded in Italy recently?

Italy’s Istat agency recorded 106 femicides in 2024. Of these, 62 were committed by partners or former partners. These statistics fueled the public demand for new legislation.

What has been the political response to the law?

The law had support from both the center-right government and center-left opposition. The opposition, however, criticizes the lack of focus on prevention. They stress the need for educational reforms in schools.

Why is there controversy over education in schools?

The government proposes restricting sexual and emotional education. It argues this protects children from activism. Opponents say this hinders essential violence prevention efforts.