Historic Move: Italian Parliament Enshrines Femicide as a Distinct Crime

Fri Dec 05 2025 09:25:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a landmark decision, Italy's parliament has unanimously voted to recognize femicide as a separate crime, carrying a life sentence. The vote coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Italian parliament has unanimously passed a law categorizing femicide, the homicide of women motivated by gender, as a distinct crime punishable by life imprisonment. This legislation, introduced on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, comes in response to the tragic murder of Giulia Cecchettin and broader societal demands for recognition and change regarding gender-based violence. The law will require the recording of gender-motivated killings, marking a significant step in addressing violence against women 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.

The bill was approved on the day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide, symbolizing a commitment to end gender-based violence.

The necessity for this law was highlighted by the tragic case of Giulia Cecchettin, who was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, stirring the nation into action.

From now on, Italy will recognize and classify each murder of a woman motivated by her gender as femicide, a move aimed at better documenting and addressing the issue.

Introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, this historic law was backed by a rare coalition of support from both the government and opposition lawmakers, many of whom donned red ribbons to honor the victims.

Judge Paola di Nicola, one of the law's architects, stated that the legislation would help reveal the true motivations behind such crimes, which are often rooted in hierarchical power dynamics rather than misunderstandings of love or jealousy.

This law positions Italy alongside Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia as an EU member state to define femicide in its legal framework.

The law's impact extends beyond formal recognition; it aims to generate public discourse around femicide and the underlying societal issues that perpetuate it. Advocates believe that understanding the motivations behind gender-motivated killings will help in formulating comprehensive measures to combat violence against women.

Despite this progressive step, discussions remain around the broader measures necessary to tackle gender inequality that fuels such violence. The law itself has faced criticism regarding its implementation and the potential vagueness of its definitions.

"This law means we will be the first in Europe to reveal the real motivation of the perpetrators, which is hierarchy and power," noted Judge Di Nicola, emphasizing the greater implications for society.

The passage of this law signals a powerful shift in Italy's approach to gender-based violence and highlights an urgent need for continued dialogue and reform in the fight for women's rights and safety.