Body shaming, from national day on 16 May to fuchsia symbol colour, yes to new law

The Senate has definitively approved the bill that 'recognises 16 May as the National Day Against the Denigration of People's Physical Appearance (body shaming)'. The day, provides for initiatives 'in order to make citizens aware of the seriousness of offensive behaviour aimed at denigrating the body' to prevent such behaviour aimed at 'denigrating and ridiculing a person because of their physical appearance'. The symbol colour of the Day 'is fuchsia, chosen to represent dynamic optimism and personal evolution leading to self-affirmation'. Here is a summary of the solutions adopted.

The date chosen for this National Day is 16 May, with the colour fuchsia becoming the symbol of the National Day. The general purposes stated for the National Day are to raise awareness among citizens of the seriousness of offensive behaviour aimed at denigrating a person's body, and to promote all useful initiatives to prevent and combat the conduct in question. It is clarified that the National Day does not determine the civil effects relating to public holidays.

On the occasion of the National Day, public institutions, private organisations and Third Sector entities may promote initiatives aimed at raising awareness and preventing body shaming, such as conferences, events, debates, meetings, ceremonies, cultural events, information and social campaigns. These initiatives are aimed at: preventing and counteracting the phenomenon of body shaming; promoting information and raising awareness on the problem of discrimination based on physical appearance; encouraging the promotion of the acceptance of one's own body, respect for the bodies of others and the promotion of physical and psychological health; promoting a conscious use of telematic social platforms, developing a critical awareness of idealised and retouched images in these platforms and in advertising and promoting a conscious use of language and digital technologies, respectful of the reputation of others.

On the National Day, the educational institutions of the national education and training system, within the framework of their autonomy, may promote and organise initiatives related to understanding and deepening the phenomenon of physical discrimination and its consequences on the physical and psychological health of those affected, as well as promoting acceptance of one's own body.

the concessionary company of the public radio, television and multimedia service, in accordance with the provisions of the service contract, may ensure adequate coverage of the topics related to the National Day in question in national and regional public television programming.