Justice System Stands for True Consent

Italy has taken a significant step toward strengthening protections against sexual violence by approving a legal amendment that centres the definition of rape on consent rather than physical coercion.

“This new text represents a great cultural change, because too often women have been forced to justify themselves even in the face of the violence they have suffered. Sex without consent is rape,” said Michela Di Biase, co-sponsor of the amendment.

The reform, approved by Italy’s Chamber of Deputies Justice Commission, defines consent as a “free, conscious and unequivocal manifestation” of willingness, valid for the entire act and revocable at any time. Offenders face six to twelve years in prison for acts committed without “free and current” consent. Backed by party leaders Elly Schlein and Giorgia Meloni, the law aligns with the Istanbul Convention and updates Article 609-bis of the Criminal Code, first established in 1996. The amendment will now advance to the Chamber of Deputies and then the Senate, marking a historic moment in Italy’s effort to ensure that justice begins with consent.