Italy has adopted a landmark law that officially classifies femicide — the gender-motivated killing of women — as a distinct criminal offence punishable by an automatic life sentence. The unanimous vote in the Italian parliament marks a historic moment in the nation’s fight against violence against women.

The decision came on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, amplifying its symbolic impact. Although the idea had been debated for years, public outrage over the 2022 murder of 22-year-old student Giulia Cecchettin reignited calls for urgent action. Her killing by ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta sparked nationwide protests and a reckoning with Italy’s deeply rooted gender stereotypes.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced the bill, which received support from both the ruling coalition and opposition MPs. Many lawmakers wore red ribbons or jackets as a tribute to victims of gender-based violence. With its passage, Italy joins Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia as EU nations with a legal definition of femicide.

Under the new legislation, a murder qualifies as femicide when it involves acts of “hatred, discrimination, domination, control, or subjugation of a woman as a woman,” or in cases where a woman is killed for ending a relationship or exercising personal freedom. Judges and police will now be required to record and classify such cases separately.

Judge Paola di Nicola, a key contributor to the law, emphasized its importance: the new framework finally “recognizes the real motivations behind these crimes — hierarchy and power — rather than romanticized notions like jealousy.” Her expert panel studied more than 200 cases of women killed in recent years to identify common patterns.

Latest police data shows 116 women killed in Italy last year, with 106 linked to gender-based motives. Authorities believe separate classification and harsher penalties will help improve prevention and deterrence.

However, critics argue that legislation alone is not enough. Law professor Valeria Torre warned that the definition may be too broad and difficult for courts to apply, noting that most femicides occur within intimate relationships where proving gender-based motivation remains challenging. Others insist that stronger investment in social services, shelters, and gender equality is essential.

Giulia Cecchettin’s father, Gino Cecchettin, welcomed the increased public discussion but stressed that meaningful change begins with education. He has since founded a national initiative focused on emotional education for young people and frequently speaks in schools across Italy. “If we give young people the tools to understand themselves, they will not repeat these patterns,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Rome, the temporary Museum of the Patriarchy highlights the broader cultural problems behind gender violence. Italy ranks 85th in the Global Gender Gap Index, one of the lowest positions in the EU, underscoring the challenges ahead.

Despite differing viewpoints, Tuesday’s vote closed with rare political unity. All 237 deputies approved the bill, applauding as the chamber acknowledged a shared commitment to addressing a long-neglected crisis.

Judge di Nicola says the law’s greatest impact may be cultural: “Italy is finally speaking openly about violence against women and its deep origins. This is just the beginning, but it is a necessary step.”