Italian MEP Roberto Vannacci sparks debate over femicide law

European Parliament member Roberto Vannacci claimed that femicide “does not exist” and called for the abolition of the specific offence introduced in Italy in December 2025 under article 577 bis of the penal code. His statements were made at a gathering of the Futuro Nazionale party and prompted strong criticism from Italian politicians and legal experts.

In Bergamo, lawyer Laura Garganosi and other local figures condemned Vannacci’s view, arguing that the separate femicide provision enacts the constitutional principle of substantive equality by providing higher protection for women, a group that remains vulnerable to gender‑based violence. They highlighted that the law targets killings of women “because they are women” and serves both general and special preventative purposes. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions in Italy over how gender‑based crimes should be defined and punished.

No legislative change has been announced, but the episode has reignited public discussion on the necessity and constitutionality of the femicide offence.