Italian parliament votes down 'hate crime' bill
October 14, 2009
Italy's parliament has rejected an effort to introduce the equivalent of American "hate-crime" legislation. By a vote of 285- 222, the assembly voted down a bid to impose greater penalties for crimes motivated by "homophobia." Opponents argued successfully that the legislation was unconstitutional insofar as it gave unequal protection to favored groups. One prominent Catholic lawmaker, Rocco Buttiglione, noted that homosexuals already enjoy full protection of law against violent crime. "The legal protection exists, and it is the same protection that the law accords to every other citizen," he said. Buttiglione expressed satisfaction at a legislative victory for "the principle of the equality of all citizens-- a principle enshrined in our constitution."
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