In the proposed reformulation of the bill on sexual violence, presented by Lega Senator Giulia Bongiorno, the word "consent" is eliminated —the text approved by the Chamber of Deputies refers to "free and actual consent" to sexual intercourse, without which the crime is committed. This word was central to the bipartisan agreement between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein .
And the penalties are differentiated: for sexual assault without further specification, the prison term is reduced from 4 to 10 years, compared to the 6-12 years in the text unanimously approved at first reading. However, the 6-12 year range remains if "the act is committed through violence or threats ," according to the Bongiorno proposal being examined by the Senate Justice Committee, " abuse of authority, or taking advantage of the physical or mental inferiority of the injured party ." Sentences, however, are reduced by no more than two-thirds for less serious cases.
The reformulated text—which will be put to a vote next week—refers to a person's "intent contrary to the sexual act." Specifically, the second paragraph states that this "must be assessed taking into account the situation and context in which the act is committed." It also specifies that "a sexual act is contrary to a person's will even when committed unexpectedly or by taking advantage of the person's inability, in the circumstances of the specific case, to express dissent."
The opposition raised their shields.
"A serious and incomprehensible regression. It is a step backwards from established case law, the unanimous vote of the Chamber, and the political agreement that recognized a clear and non-negotiable principle: without consent, there is no sexual relationship, there is violence," declared Beatrice Lorenzin, vice president of the Democratic Party senators .
"In the Chamber of Deputies, we voted on a shared text that Giorgia Meloni had also endorsed. In the Senate , a real betrayal is taking place, not only against the political opposition but against the women of this country ," says Luana Zanella, leader of the AVS group in the Chamber of Deputies .
(Unioneonline)