Rape Bill, text approved by majority without 'consent' and with more sanctions: controversy erupts
This text, according to rapporteur Bongiorno, 'goes one step further than the one' unanimously approved in the House last November, with the pact between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dem secretary Elly Schlein
Key points
A new version for the bill on sexual violence. The Senate Justice Commission has approved a new text proposed by the Lega Nord rapporteur Giulia Bongiorno.
In addition to her, the centre-right voted in favour; while the oppositions, from the Democratic Party to the Green Alliance and the Left, were against and critical.The total vote, in the end, was 12 yes and 10 no.
Bongiorno: 'Turning point for women'
'My text,' Bongiorno said before the vote, 'puts the woman's will at the centre, it does not create any reversal of the burden of proof. For the first time in Italy, when there is neither consent nor dissent, there is a presumption of dissent in so-called freezing cases. So a breakthrough in favour of women. Those who say otherwise, in my opinion, should perhaps reflect'.
Not only that, because for the Senator 'this text is a step forward compared to the one' approved unanimously in the House last November, with the pact between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dem secretary Elly Schlein.
Increasing penalties
In the new text, there is an increase in penalties from 7 to 13 years' imprisonment in cases of sexual acts with violence, threats and abuse of authority (in the first version, penalties ranged from 6 to 12 years). Furthermore, from 6 to 12 years for those committed against the will of the victim (in the first version they ranged from 4 to 10 years).
