The Italian government wants to remove sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes during asylum cases. Speak up and don’t let this happen!
In 2022, a third of the residence permits issued by Italy were granted under the "special protection" provision, introduced by Matteo Salvini through the "Security Decrees" during the last legislative session. These decrees redefined the concept of humanitarian protection. Essentially, they outline specific justifications for which an individual arriving in Italy is entitled to stay, regardless of their means of arrival. These justifications include sexual orientation and gender identity.
However, as the Mediterranean Sea continues to claim victims from two tragic shipwrecks carrying desperate migrants, the new government is pushing to exclude sexual orientation and gender identity from this special protection. Two bills aiming to reform the Consolidated Immigration Act are currently under consideration in the House Constitutional Affairs Committee. Furthermore, Prime Minister Meloni has announced the government's intention to abolish the special protection provision entirely.
Even President Sergio Mattarella has expressed concerns regarding the Meloni government's intentions. The proposed abolition poses a risk: many migrants already in Italy could face sudden deportation while awaiting the review of their applications for international protection.
The real danger is that, once again, the LGBTQIA+ community might bear the brunt of the government's ideological fervor.
Article 19 of the "Security Decree" concerning deportations states:
"Art. 19 (Prohibitions of expulsion. Provisions for vulnerable categories.)
In no case may an individual be expelled or returned to a state where they might face persecution due to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, nationality, religion, political beliefs, personal or social conditions, or risk being sent to another state without protection from such persecution."
Yet, the proposed bill seeks to remove the phrases "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."
This represents the first significant regulatory assault on the LGBTQIA+ community that the parliament has started to scrutinize and discuss.
It's imperative that we mobilize by signing this petition and insisting that Italy upholds its humanitarian principles!
