Law defining rape as non-consensual sex shelved in Italy

In Italy, key legislation that would for the first time explicitly state that non-consensual sexual intercourse is rape has been delayed.

Despite broad political support, including rare cooperation between the ruling Brothers of Italy party and the opposition, the Senate postponed the debate at the last minute. The blockage was initiated by the coalition League, which expressed concern about the reduction of sentences in some minor cases.

The move, which was also made on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, drew strong criticism. The opposition described it as a shameful signal and a blow to the dignity of women.

However, the Minister for the Family, Eugenia Roccell, says the proposal needs more time to improve.

In parallel, Parliament passed a law on femicide - the killing of a woman because of her gender - as a separate offence with the possibility of life imprisonment, responding to a rise in acts of violence against women in the country.

(reuters, swag)