Trendpills
The Italian government has approved a landmark draft law that, for the first time, introduces the legal definition of femicide into the country's criminal code and designates life imprisonment as its punishment. The bill was approved by the Council of Ministers on the eve of International Women's Day, signaling a significant move to address persistent gender-based violence in the nation.
This legislative initiative comes after a series of high-profile cases and widespread public outcry over the killing of women. The murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin by her former boyfriend in late 2023 was a particularly powerful catalyst, sparking nationwide protests and intensifying calls for stronger legal protections. If passed by parliament, the new law would establish femicide as an autonomous criminal offense, distinct from general homicide. According to the Associated Press, the move aims to strengthen legal measures against gender-based crimes that have plagued the country.
In addition to defining femicide, the proposed legislation also includes harsher penalties for related offenses. The measures would introduce new aggravating circumstances for crimes such as stalking, revenge porn, and sexual violence, reflecting a broader strategy to protect victims. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the bill's approval as "another step forward" in her government's systemic action to combat violence directed at women. The bill marks a more punitive approach, diverging from previous legislation that focused more on prevention and victim support.
The draft law must now proceed through the Italian Parliament for debate and final approval before it can be enacted. While the cabinet's green light is a crucial step, the legislative process will determine the final text and its implementation. This proposal follows other recent laws aimed at curbing gender violence, yet activists and opposition figures continue to call for more comprehensive cultural and educational reforms to address the root causes of femicide. The proposed law aims to punish femicide with life imprisonment, representing one of the strictest potential penalties in Europe for such a crime.
