The Italian feminist collective 'Non Una di Meno' (Not One Less) carried out an unusual protest action in Milan by dumping manure outside the office of Senator Giulia Bongiorno of the League party. The senator is the rapporteur for a controversial bill concerning sexual violence. Protesters allege that the proposed change to criminal law removes the key category of 'consent' for sexual intercourse, replacing it with the concept of 'opposition' or 'contrary free will.' According to activists, this shifts the burden of proof onto the victim. The event is the culmination of growing opposition to the bill, referred to as the 'ddl Bongiorno.' In response to the protests, a double demonstration has already been scheduled for March.

Unusual Form of Protest

Members of the feminist movement 'Non Una di Meno' poured manure at the entrance to the Milan law office of Senator Giulia Bongiorno. The action was documented with photos and videos that circulated on social media.

Subject of Dispute – The Bill

The protest is directed against the bill on sexual violence, for which Bongiorno is the rapporteur. The bill amends Article 609-bis of the penal code, redefining the crime of rape.

Key Change in Definition

The main accusation is the removal from the law of the concept of 'consent' (consenso) for sexual intercourse and its replacement with the category of 'opposition' or 'contrary free will' (volontà contraria). According to protesters, this reverses the burden of proof in favor of the accused.

Reactions and Further Actions

The bill has faced criticism not only from feminist movements but also from part of the political opposition. In response to tensions, a double protest march has already been scheduled for March.

On Wednesday in Milan, a spectacular and symbolic protest action took place against Italian legislation concerning sexual violence. Members of the feminist movement Not One Less dumped manure at the entrance to the law office of Senator Giulia Bongiorno, who is the rapporteur for the controversial bill. The aim of the action was to draw attention to the content of the so-called 'ddl Bongiorno,' the disegno di legge (bill) that changes the definition of the crime of rape in the Italian penal code. The main point of contention concerns a fundamental change in the understanding of consent for sexual intercourse. According to current law, sexual intercourse without consent is considered rape. The Bongiorno bill aims to replace the category of 'consent' (consenso) with the concept of 'opposition' or 'contrary free will' (volontà contraria). According to protesters and some legal experts, such a change shifts the burden of proof from the accused – who would have to demonstrate that they obtained consent – to the victim, who would have to prove that they expressed clear and sufficiently strong opposition. As the protesters stated in their communication, 'if the law speaks of consent, the question is whether there was a free, clear, and conscious 'yes'; if it speaks of opposition, the question becomes whether the person said 'no' in a sufficiently clear manner. The burden shifts in this way onto the one who files the report.'Italian criminal law in the area of crimes against sexual freedom has been amended multiple times under the influence of strong social movements. In 1996, following high-profile trials, rape was redefined as an act against personal freedom, rather than against morality. Since then, the category of consent has become a key element in prosecuting these crimes. The protest is not an isolated incident but the culmination of broader opposition. The bill has faced criticism not only from feminist movements but also from part of the parliamentary opposition. Senator Bongiorno, an experienced lawyer and former minister (in Giuseppe Conte's government), has become the central figure in this heated debate. In response to growing tensions, a double protest march has already been announced for March, indicating an escalation of social conflict around this topic. The legal and social dispute touches on fundamental issues related to equality, sexual freedom, and the protection of victims of violence.

Mentioned People

  • Giulia Bongiorno — Italian senator from the League, rapporteur for the sexual violence bill, former minister