Overview
- The Chamber of Deputies had unanimously backed inserting “free and current” consent into the sexual‑violence offense, carrying 6–12 years in prison with a possible reduction in cases of lesser gravity.
- On November 25 the Senate Justice Committee halted immediate floor approval when Lega, Fratelli d’Italia and Forza Italia demanded technical clarifications and short hearings, citing the disputed “lesser gravity” clause.
- Committee chair Giulia Bongiorno limited the process to two experts per group and said she aims to conclude in weeks, with a likely Senate calendar slot in January and possible amendments.
- Opposition parties walked out of the committee and unsuccessfully sought to pause work in the Chamber on a separate measure, while PD leader Elly Schlein phoned Giorgia Meloni urging respect for their public agreement.
- The government’s justice minister Carlo Nordio said there is no plan to bury the bill, as Matteo Salvini argued the current wording is too open to interpretation and potential misuse; meanwhile the femicide bill won final approval in the Chamber.