ROME For the bill that was approved – and which introduced a crime murder of women – others, active sexual violence and free manifestation of permissionexperienced setbacks. Today’s chronicle, the international one against violence against women, in which the Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, once again emphasized the “principle of equality” which is “slow to be established, limits women’s autonomy. Women’s freedom must be defended every day.”
CONSENT node
Examination of a government bill that would punish anyone who causes the death of a woman with life in prison recently continued in Montecitorio, when the Senate Judiciary Committee met to vote on a proposal that would introduce criteria for free and up-to-date consent in any sexual act (and whose absence would trigger the crime of sexual violence). This is a law resulting from an agreement between Elly Schlein and Giorgia Meloni which was approved by the DPR last week. And who, according to the decision of the head of the Palazzo Madama group, could arrive at the Chamber in the afternoon “where the work of the commission is completed”. A step that many people consider obvious. Wrong. When the commission’s chair, Giulia Bongiorno, gave senators the floor, a decision on the possibility of granting an immediate final mandate fell short of consensus. Northern League member Erika Stefani first raised doubts and then Melonian Giovanni Berrino. In the end, Italian player Pierantonio Zanettin also joined them. Moral of the story: after the choice to encourage excessive reflection on the text – with a series of hearings and possibly corrective amendments – the opposition abandoned the work of the commission. Bongiorno himself, who has always been at the forefront of issues of gender violence, immediately reiterated that there was no intention to cancel the agreement that had been reached in the Council, but there was a need to fill “some gaps”: “The commitment is to approve it quickly, and improve it a little. I would prefer a law approved on December 13 or 31 to a law approved on November 25 with loopholes.” Among the sore points, according to the majority, is the final paragraph of the law, which provides for a reduction in sentences of no more than two-thirds for less serious cases. But also excessive discretion is related to the current and free formulation of consent: “It is inconceivable that there is some kind of presumption of dissent that must be overcome explicitly in sexual acts”, explained a Senator Melonian. But technicalities were not enough to quell the opposition’s controversy. Secretary Elly Schlein, who was in the House for the final vote on the femicide bill – which passed unanimously – would make matters worse: «I came to do my duty because I am a person who honors treaties».
CALLING
When questioned by journalists in Montecitorio, the DEM secretary confirmed that he had spoken to Giorgia Meloni to “ask her to enforce the agreement”. The answer? «You should ask him that», Schlein answered. Those closest to the prime minister made it known that during the conversation, Meloni would defend the point that had been reiterated by the majority in Parliament: “If something can be improved, why not do it?”. The Fdi leader, in recent days, in addition to the doubts of experts, may also have been informed about a certain dissatisfaction among his base towards the proposal considered “unbalanced” and towards the accused who had the honor of proving a demonstration of consensus. It is likely that the law will change, although it remains to be seen how it will change (a first draft of the amendments was expected to be available yesterday). While discussions continue, awareness-raising initiatives are increasing, such as the Athens Onlus Foundation “Never Violence” campaign, which has received support from the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, for Meloni, the “claim of cohesion” in the bill relating to femicide must be rebuilt on the basis of free and informed consent. “I have ideas and beliefs, of course, but unlike others, I prefer common sense and reasonableness to ideology,” said the prime minister interviewed by Lapresse, in reference to the convergence with Schlein. In the evening, after the controversy spotlight was turned off, all that remained were the red lights illuminating the two Chambers and Palazzo Chigi.
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