Italy protests planned against proposed antisemitism bill

A wide coalition of over 100 associations, trade unions, and political groups is organizing protests across Italy, including Rome and Savona, on September 9 to oppose DDL 1004. The bill, currently under review by the Chamber of Deputies, aims to address antisemitism by adopting the IHRA definition.

Opponents, including Amnesty International Italia, ANPI, and various peace movements, argue the law could act as a “gag rule” (norma-bavaglio). They claim the legislation risks conflating legitimate political criticism of the State of Israel and its policies in Gaza with racial hatred, potentially criminalizing dissent and violating constitutional rights to free expression.

In response, members of the Fratelli d'Italia party have rejected these claims, asserting that the law does not silence political dissent but specifically targets racial hatred against Jewish people. They criticized ANPI for its opposition, stating the association has lost credibility by aligning with the far-left and using false premises to oppose anti-discrimination measures.