Former parliamentarian Finocchiaro reflects on a historic change in Italian legislation regarding sexual violence, emphasizing the role of women in shaping the law over the past thirty years.
On February 15, 1996, a significant legal reform in Italy redefined sexual violence as a crime against the person rather than a moral offense, marking a pivotal shift in the country's legal landscape. Ex-parliamentarian Finocchiaro highlighted the collaborative efforts of women across different political parties who met at night in Montecitorio to advocate for this crucial change. This reform dismantled aspects of the previous legal framework, known as the Codice Rocco, which was more aligned with protecting societal morality than addressing the rights and violations experienced by individuals.
Finocchiaro’s commentary also underscores the evolving nature of discussions around sexual consent and the need for ongoing political dialogue to clarify and strengthen laws in this area. With societal norms around consent changing over the years, she points out that new political agreements are necessary to keep the legislation relevant and effective. Her reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges women have faced in the political domain and the importance of solidarity among women from diverse political backgrounds in promoting progressive legal reforms.
Overall, the article places emphasis on the historical context of the changes in laws regarding sexual violence in Italy and presents a call to action for continued vigilance in protecting women's rights and addressing issues related to consent. It reflects on past achievements while also recognizing the work that remains to ensure justice and protection for all individuals against sexual violence in contemporary society.
