Italy: Referendum on school sexual education moves forward

The Italian Supreme Court (Cassazione) has approved a request to hold a referendum regarding sexual and affective education in schools. The initiative, supported by 576,000 signatures, seeks to repeal Law 104 of 2026, which introduced specific requirements for informed consent regarding sexuality-related activities in educational settings.

The next stage of the process requires the Constitutional Court to rule on the admissibility of the referendum question. Proponents of the movement, including the “Sì Educazione Affettiva nelle scuole” committee, argue that the education is essential for preventing gender violence and teaching respect and consent. The committee has proposed that the referendum be held alongside the 2027 local elections to optimize public spending.