Rome – A nationwide demonstration is underway in Italy today, March 8, 2026, against proposed revisions to the country’s sexual assault legislation. The changes, spearheaded by Senator Giulia Bongiorno of the Lega party, have sparked widespread concern among feminist groups, legal experts, and anti-violence centers, who argue the revisions weaken protections for victims and potentially undermine the pursuit of justice.
More than 50 buses are expected to bring protesters to Rome from across Italy, converging on Piazza della Repubblica before marching to Piazza San Giovanni. The demonstration represents a culmination of mounting opposition to the proposed law, following protests outside the Senate and in over 100 cities last week. At the heart of the controversy is the removal of the word “consent” from the legal definition of sexual assault, replaced with the more ambiguous phrase “voluntary opposition to the sexual act.”
Critics argue this shift fundamentally alters the legal framework, potentially making it more difficult to prosecute perpetrators and placing a greater burden on victims to prove resistance. Francesco Menditto, a former chief prosecutor in Tivoli, testified before the Justice Commission of the Senate that the revised wording could lower the bar for conviction, particularly in cases where only one in ten sexual assaults are reported. He explained that the current Cassation Court precedent for over a decade has affirmed that the absence of consent constitutes rape, and the proposed changes move away from this established principle. ristretti.org
Concerns Over Legal Definition and Victim Support
The proposed changes have ignited a fierce debate over the definition of sexual assault and the importance of explicit consent. Opponents contend that focusing on “voluntary opposition” ignores situations where a victim may be unable to physically resist due to fear, intimidation, or other circumstances. They emphasize that the original draft, aligned with the Istanbul Convention, clearly established consent as a fundamental element of sexual assault. rainews.it
The revisions also propose differing penalties based on whether an act is committed “against the will” of the victim or involves violence, threats, or abuse of authority. Penalties for acts committed against the will, without additional factors, would be reduced to 4-10 years, while those involving violence or coercion would remain at 6-12 years. This tiered system has drawn criticism for potentially diminishing the severity of non-violent sexual assaults.
Broad Coalition Mobilizes Against the Proposed Law
The protest is supported by a diverse coalition of over 1,000 organizations, including anti-violence centers, transfeminist networks, trade unions (from CGIL to Cobas), and civil society groups. These groups are united in their opposition to what they see as a dangerous rollback of progress in protecting women and addressing sexual violence. Demonstrators have expressed outrage over Senator Bongiorno’s handling of the legislation, accusing her of prioritizing political pressures over the safety and rights of potential victims.
Prior to today’s national march, symbolic acts of protest have included the placement of manure outside Senator Bongiorno’s office, accompanied by the message that “consent is not a detail.” ilmanifesto.it This act underscores the deep frustration and anger felt by those who believe the proposed changes trivialize the importance of consent and send a harmful message to survivors.
The Senate Justice Commission is currently reviewing the proposed law, with a vote expected before the April 6th referendum. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for the legal landscape surrounding sexual assault in Italy and the protections afforded to victims.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about legal and social issues related to sexual assault. We see not intended to provide legal or medical advice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to a qualified professional for support and guidance.
The debate surrounding this legislation is far from over, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of sexual assault law and victim support in Italy. Continued scrutiny and advocacy will be crucial as the bill moves forward. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
