Lawmakers clashed in the Chamber on Wednesday during debate on a new school sex-education bill. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara accused the centre-left opposition of misrepresenting the proposal. He said claims that it hindered efforts against femicide were false.
“It has been said this bill would block sexual and emotional education in schools. This is false,” Valditara said.
He insisted the law only requires parental consent before students receive lessons about sexuality and relationships. The minister added, “A sensitive issue like femicide has been exploited. Shame on you.”
Opposition MPs shouted in protest, and the Speaker briefly suspended the session after a scuffle broke out.
The bill, known as the “informed consent” law, makes sex-education lessons optional for students under 18. Parents must first approve their child’s participation. The measure removes an earlier total ban on sex education in middle schools. However, it still forbids lessons in primary schools.
Supporters argue that parents should control how children learn about sensitive issues. They say families, not the State, should decide when sex education begins. Opposition parties, including the PD, M5S and AVS, argue the bill weakens efforts against gender violence. They say education about respect and relationships must be compulsory.
Despite recently passing a bill which recognises femicide as a separate crime, recent femicides in Italy have increased public pressure for stronger gender-equality education. Critics claim the government’s bill ignores that need.
The proposal now moves to the Senate for further debate.
