Italy Enacts Historic Femicide Law Amid Nationwide Calls for Change

Thu Nov 27 2025 17:18:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Italian Parliament has unanimously passed a law recognizing femicide as a distinct crime, emphasizing the need to combat gender-based violence in the country.

In a landmark decision, Italy's Parliament has introduced a law making femicide, defined as the murder of a woman for gender-based reasons, a separate crime punishable by life imprisonment. This decision comes amid growing awareness and protests against gender violence, highlighted by the tragic murder of Giulia Cecchettin, which became a catalyst for legislative change. The move positions Italy alongside other EU countries that have formally recognized femicide in their legal frameworks.

In a significant step towards addressing gender-based violence, deputies in the Italian Parliament have voted unanimously to introduce femicide as a distinct crime, punishable by a life sentence. This legislation was approved on a symbolic day dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women worldwide.

The initiative to create a law specifically addressing femicide gained traction following the brutal murder of Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend, a case that shocked the nation. In November 2023, the 22-year-old was fatally stabbed, and her body was disposed of in a lakeside area—a crime that ignited a wave of protests across Italy calling for change and justice.

The femicide law categorizes murders motivated by gender as a separate crime and mandates that all such cases be recorded, emphasizing their distinct nature compared to other forms of homicide. Judge Paola di Nicola, a key figure in drafting the law, highlighted its importance in revealing the root causes—hierarchy and power—behind such acts of violence.

Supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government and opposition MPs, the law marks Italy as one of the few countries in Europe to define femicide within its criminal code. It aims not only to punish perpetrators but also to improve understanding of the societal structures that facilitate such violence.

Recent data shows that the number of women killed last year decreased slightly, but out of the 116 women killed, many were victims of gender-motivated violence. This new legislation is intended to serve as both a deterrent and a vital tool for raising awareness about the underlying issues surrounding gender inequality and violence against women.

While advocates praise the law as a step forward, critics argue that more comprehensive approaches are needed to tackle the root causes of gender inequality in Italy. The debate continues about the necessary educational reforms and societal changes required to prevent future tragedies.