Euromed Rights Search

Italy: Meloni’s Far-Right Government Seeks to Roll Back Abortion and LGBTQ+ Rights, Bolstered by European Election Victory

28 Jun 2024

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Rights at stake and state’s obligations

The actor of the backlash

Diplomatic sources have revealed that Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, attempted to remove references to “safe and legal abortion” and LGBTQI+ rights from the G7 summit draft communiqué in 2024. Italy’s far-right government has denied these allegations, but multiple sources close to the negotiations confirmed the removal of language protecting "gender identity and sexual orientation" and ensuring “effective and safe access to abortion.” This aligns with Meloni’s broader agenda, as her Fratelli d’Italia party, which upholds traditionalist and anti-feminist views, continues to oppose progressive gender equality policies.

Meloni’s victory in the European elections, where her party won 28.9% of the vote and gained 14 additional seats in the European Parliament, further strengthens her platform. With Fratelli d’Italia now holding increased influence in Brussels, this electoral success raises concerns over the future of gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ protections across the European Union and beyond. Meloni's substantial win makes her one of the few EU leaders to achieve such a significant electoral margin, positioning her government to push its conservative agenda even further on the international stage.

See: Le Monde , Euronews, France 24, The Guardian