The Italian Senate has passed a law banning couples from traveling abroad to have a child through surrogacy. The law, supported by 84 votes to 58, caused a wave of outrage from the opposition and activists, especially from the LGBT community, because it is considered discriminatory.
Ban for LGBT couples and not only
This new legislation is a continuation of the socially conservative policy of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has long championed traditional family values. Critics point out that the law makes it even more difficult for LGBT couples to have children, as both IVF (artificial insemination) for same-sex couples and adoption are banned in Italy.
Activists emphasize that against the background of the demographic crisis, this law only increases discrimination. Opponents of the law protested before the vote in the Senate, calling it unfair and limiting the rights of citizens. "If someone gives birth to a child, they should be given a medal, not sent to prison, if it's not traditional motherhood," said well-known LGBT activist Franco Grillini.
Arguments of supporters and the fight against surrogate motherhood
Supporters of the law, including Senator Lavinia Mennuni from the Brothers of Italy party, emphasize the importance of protecting traditional family values. She claims that motherhood is "absolutely unique and cannot be replaced", and therefore it is necessary to "eradicate the phenomenon of surrogate motherhood".
The law extends a ban in place in Italy since 2004 to cases where Italians travel abroad for surrogacy in countries where it is legal, such as the United States or Canada. Violators face fines of up to €1 million and up to 2 years in prison.
Prime Minister George Maloney, known for his criticism of surrogate motherhood, called it "slavery of the third millennium". Her policy is based on the idea that children should grow up only in a traditional family where there is a man and a woman. Maloney also actively opposes same-sex marriage and any attempts by LGBT couples to obtain the right to adopt children.
The law caused a significant response among various social groups. Opponents point out that, against the background of the demographic crisis, the country instead of supporting all citizens in their right to parenthood sets restrictions. However, the conservative majority in the government continues to implement policies aimed at protecting the traditional family.
