In brief
The Italian parliament has voted unanimously to establish a new legal definition of femicide, categorizing it as the murder of a woman motivated by gender. This legislation, introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to provide clearer recognition of such crimes and mandates that all femicides are recorded separately. The new law, effective immediately, follows public outcry after tragic cases such as the murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin. Many see this as a crucial step towards combating gender violence in Italy.
Deputies in the Italian parliament have voted unanimously to introduce the crime of femicide – the murder of a woman, motivated by gender – as a distinct law to be punished with a life sentence.
In a symbolic move, the bill was approved on the day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide.
The idea of a law on femicide had been discussed in Italy before but the murder of Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend was a tragedy that shocked the country into action.
In late November 2022, the 22-year-old was stabbed to death by Filippo Turetta, who then wrapped her body in bags and dumped it by a lakeside.
The killing was headline news until he was caught, but it was the powerful response of Giulia's sister, Elena, that has endured.
Elena stated that the murderer was not a monster, but the healthy son of a deeply patriarchal society. Her remarks sparked national outrage calling for change.
After a passionate parliamentary debate, the legislation makes Italy one of the few countries to classify femicide as a unique crime, with the law being backed not just by the ruling right-wing government but also opposition parties. The design of this law reflects an increased sensitivity to gender-based violence.
Moving forward, every murder of a woman motivated by gender will be classified as femicide, with the intent to record and understand the gender-based violence epidemic in Italy. Judge Paola di Nicola, one of the authors of the new law, emphasized that such crimes should be studied in their real context and should be recognized for what they truly represent — a power oppression against women.
With Italy joining other EU countries like Cyprus and Malta in acknowledging femicide legally, society hopes this law will transform the conversation around gender violence and ultimately lead to prevention and education initiatives regarding gender equality.
More broadly, the law is seen as part of a larger effort to fight violence against women, as advocates call for extensive reforms to address gender inequality across all aspects of life in Italy.
