Rome, November 28, 2025
Italy’s parliament unanimously approved a new law on November 25 that establishes femicide as a distinct crime, prescribing a mandatory life sentence for perpetrators. The legislation aims to combat gender-based violence following a rising number of female homicides and national calls for reform.
Unanimous Parliamentary Vote and Legal Definition
The Italian Parliament passed the bill with unanimous support, marking a historic legal shift that recognizes femicide—the intentional killing of a woman motivated by her gender—as a separate criminal offense. The law mandates a life sentence for convicts, underscoring the seriousness with which Italy intends to treat such crimes. Femicide is legally defined as murder carried out out of hatred, discrimination, domination, or subjugation of a woman because of her gender. The vote was timed to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, adding symbolic weight to the legislative action.
Context: The Murder That Sparked Reform
This legislation was fast-tracked in response to the tragic killing of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student murdered by her ex-boyfriend in late 2024. Cecchettin’s death sparked national outrage and galvanized lawmakers to prioritize the eradication of gender-based murders. Prior to this, Italian law did not categorize femicide as a distinct crime, although gender-based violence was addressed under broader statutes.
Statistical Overview
Data from Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reveals the extent of the problem: 106 femicides were recorded in 2024, averaging nearly one killing every three days. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for targeted legal measures to address violence specifically targeting women. The new law aims to deliver a strong deterrent message and improve reporting and prosecution mechanisms related to gender-motivated crimes.
Government Response and Political Consensus
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni lauded the unanimous vote as a milestone in Italy’s commitment to safeguarding women and combating gender-based violence. Her administration positions the law as essential for ensuring justice and protection for victims. The broad political consensus reflected in the vote signals that violence against women is a priority transcending party lines in Italy.
Constitutional and Legal Debate
Despite widespread support, the law has sparked debate among legal experts regarding its compatibility with Article 3 of the Italian Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law regardless of gender. Critics caution about potential conflicts in applying gender-specific legislation. However, proponents argue that femicide’s unique characteristics and motivations necessitate distinct legal recognition to effectively protect women’s rights.
Global Significance and Future Implications
Italy joins an increasing number of countries worldwide enacting specific laws addressing femicide, reflecting a growing international recognition of gender-based killings as a serious and separate category of crime. The law’s passage is expected to influence both domestic enforcement and international discourse on combating violence against women. Moving forward, the legislation represents a critical step toward improved justice mechanisms and greater societal awareness of the challenges faced by women in Italy and beyond.