Deputies in the Italian parliament have unanimously approved a new law defining femicide—the murder of a woman motivated by gender—as a distinct crime punishable by life imprisonment. The bill was passed symbolically on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The legislation was spurred by the 2022 murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin, who was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, and whose body was dumped near a lake. The tragedy ignited nationwide outrage, amplified by Giulia’s sister, Elena, who called the crime the product of a patriarchal society rather than the actions of a “monster.” Her words helped galvanize public demand for legal reform.
Two years later, the law makes Italy one of the few countries to classify femicide as a separate offence. Introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the legislation received support from both her government and opposition MPs. Many parliamentarians wore red ribbons or jackets to honor victims of gender-based violence.
Under the new law, murders motivated by hatred, discrimination, domination, control, or subjugation of a woman—such as acts following a breakup or aimed at restricting her freedoms—will be classified as femicide. These cases will now trigger life sentences and be recorded separately to allow for proper study and prevention.
Judge Paola di Nicola, one of the law’s authors, stressed the significance of recognizing femicide in its true context. “Talking of such crimes as rooted in exasperated love or jealousy distorts reality. The true motivation is hierarchy and power,” she said. Italy now joins Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia as EU states with a legal definition of femicide.
Giulia’s father, Gino Cecchettin, supports the law but emphasizes education over legislation. Since her death, he has toured schools and universities to teach young people about respect and gender equality, aiming to prevent similar tragedies. The Cecchettin Foundation also advocates for mandatory emotional and sexual education starting at an early age, though far-right MPs have resisted such initiatives.
The law has faced criticism. Some experts argue the definition is vague and difficult to apply, with challenges in proving gender-based motives in cases involving current or former partners. Critics also call for broader measures addressing economic inequality and systemic gender disparities.
Italy continues to struggle with gender equality, ranking 85th on the Global Gender Gap Index, one of the lowest among EU countries. Advocates say that preventing femicide requires addressing societal inequality at its roots. Fabiana Costantino of Action Aid Italy, which created the temporary Museum of the Patriarchy in Rome, says, “We have to destroy the base of violence to prevent femicide.”
Tuesday’s parliamentary session concluded with a unifying message from governing party MPs: violence against women will not be tolerated or go unpunished. Judge Paola di Nicola hailed the law as a milestone in fostering national discussion on gender-based violence, even as Italy continues to confront deep-rooted social issues.
