Overview
- The Chamber of Deputies gave final approval with 237 votes after earlier Senate passage, making the reform law.
- The measure amends Penal Code article 577 to define femicide as killings driven by gender-based hatred, discrimination, control, or reprisals over ending a relationship.
- Convictions carry life imprisonment, alongside increased shelter funding, expanded protections for children orphaned by femicide, and an annual Justice Ministry assessment.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the vote, saying funding for anti-violence centers has been doubled and new education and awareness efforts launched.
- Opposition parties and advocates urge stronger prevention and school-based education, citing Istat data of 106 femicides in 2024, including 62 by partners or ex-partners.