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.
The murderer was not a monster, she said, but the healthy son of a deeply patriarchal society. They were words that brought crowds out across Italy demanding change.
Now, two years on, MPs have voted for a law on femicide after a long and passionately debated session of parliament. It makes Italy one of very few places to categorise femicide as a distinct crime.
Introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the law was backed by her own hard-right government as well as opposition MPs. Many wore red ribbons or red jackets to remember the victims of violence.
From now on, Italy will record every murder of a woman that is motivated by her gender as femicide.
Femicides will be classified, they will be studied in their real context, they will exist, Judge Paola di Nicola, one of the authors of the new law, said of its significance.
Italy will join Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia as EU members that have introduced a legal definition of femicide in their criminal codes.
The latest police data in Italy shows a slight fall in the number of women killed last year to 116, with 106 said to be motivated by gender. In future, such cases would be recorded separately and trigger an automatic life sentence, meant as a deterrent.
Gino Cecchettin isn't sure such a law would have saved his daughter; her killer was sent to prison for life in any case. But he insists defining and discussing the problem is important.
Mr Cecchettin emphasizes the focus on education rather than legislation, creating a foundation in his daughter’s name aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Critics of the law, including some lawmakers, argue that the definition is too vague, potentially complicating its implementation. However, supporters believe it marks a crucial step towards addressing and highlighting gender-based violence in Italy.
The law's approval at the parliamentary session culminated with a heartfelt commitment to continue addressing violence against women.
