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Italy to toughen rape law to include non-consensual sex
The legal change focuses on consent and perpetrator conduct, aiming to improve prosecution without altering penalties, supported by a rare cross-party agreement in parliament.
- On Wednesday, Italian MPs voted to broaden the definition of sexual violence to include non-consensual acts, and the lower house update now moves to the Senate for a final vote.
- In recent years, controversial rulings citing victims' conduct as grounds for acquittal provoked national outrage and fuelled demands for change.
- The amendment centers women's consent and shifts trial focus onto perpetrators' conduct, with advocates saying it removes the need for victims to show physical injuries.
- Democratic Party MP Laura Boldrini said the proposal was needed because prejudice that blames women persists, while the prison sentence remains between six and 12 years.
- Last week the lower chamber's Justice Commission approved the amendment, contrasting with current law that defines rape by physical coercion, threats or abuse of authority.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
In Italian law, sexual violence will be easier to prosecute in future. Social Democrats and the party of the post-fascist head of government Meloni voted in favour of the change.
·Germany
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Until now, Italian law has considered rape to be an assault involving violence or physical coercion.
·Copenhagen, Denmark
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Turning to Italian law: the new principle concerning violence against women enters the Criminal Code, with the favorable vote of all parties. Now the text passes to the Senate
·Italy
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Without free and current consent the crime of sexual violence is configured. This is provided by the bill approved by the Chamber unanimously with 227...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
Factuality
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