Italy’s Lower House on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that introduces a specific crime of femicide into the country’s criminal code. The femicide law is now actionable.
The new legislation imposes life imprisonment on anyone who kills a woman due to discrimination or hatred, or to suppress her rights, freedoms, or personal autonomy. Lawmakers said the measure aims to recognise the specific nature of gender-based killings and strengthen legal protection for women.
The law also introduces stricter rules on prison benefits for those convicted of femicide. It increases requirements for education and awareness programmes designed to prevent gender-based violence.
Parliament passed the bill on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Premier Giorgia Meloni welcomed the vote. She said the unanimous support showed rare political unity on an issue that affects the whole country. She added that the law provides an additional tool alongside existing measures to fight the “barbaric” violence faced by many women.
“I am very pleased with Parliament’s approval of the bill introducing the crime of femicide. It is an important sign of political cohesion against the barbaric nature of violence against women. We are adding another tool to those we had already foreseen.”
