Italian Parliament to Vote on Bill Defining Antisemitism

The Italian Chamber of Deputies is set to vote on a bill that would formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into national law. If passed, Italy would be the first country to make the IHRA definition legally binding nationwide, rather than relying solely on governmental decisions. The bill, known as DDL 1004, was introduced by the far-right party 'Lega', a partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition. The Italian Senate had already approved the proposal on March 4.

However, the left-wing Democratic Party (PD) abstained in a recent parliamentary committee vote, citing concerns that the law could restrict criticism of Israel. A party source told Reuters that the antisemitism definition included in the bill is "divisive" and urged the ruling coalition to amend it. Conversely, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), representing Jewish communities across Italy, praised the Senate's approval, calling it a victory for society and not just the Jewish community, and thanked lawmakers from both sides for reaching a consensus.

Supporters of the bill argue that stronger protective measures are needed due to a rise in antisemitism following the October 7th attacks. Italy's online antisemitism monitoring center recorded 963 antisemitic incidents in 2025, more than double the number in 2022. Opponents, however, contend that the definition could limit freedom of expression, censor legitimate activism for Palestinian rights, and blur the lines between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

The IHRA, an intergovernmental organization of 35 member states established in 1998, adopted its working definition of antisemitism in 2016. This definition, which is not legally binding internationally, states that antisemitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews," and can include criticism of Israel when it escalates to hatred or discrimination against Jews.

The Italian left is divided on the issue. While most PD members abstained, six senators defied the party line and voted in favor. Supporters of this minority view, led by Graziano Delrio, argue that the PD's abstention reflects a long-standing hesitation within the Italian left to take a clear stance against rising antisemitism. Emanuele Fiano, a PD member and son of an Auschwitz survivor, criticized his party's decision, stating he would not allow the fight against antisemitism to be portrayed as an obstacle to criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, the IDF, or settlers.

Protests against the bill have occurred, with hundreds demonstrating outside Milan's La Scala opera house. Jewish groups joined the protesters, who carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans like "No to the antisemitism law" and "Criticism of Israel is not antisemitism." Speakers at the rally argued the law is dangerous, equating racism with criticism of Israel and potentially silencing dissent against the occupation and Palestinian discrimination. Giulia, from the Jewish organization 'The Jewish Laboratory Against Racism,' stated that existing Italian law already covers hate crimes and that a specific law equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism is unnecessary and could paradoxically increase antisemitism by stifling debate. Artist Moni Ovadia also opposes the bill, suggesting that historical figures like Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Hannah Arendt could be convicted under it. Nicola Fratoianni, co-leader of the AVS party, acknowledged the need for a unanimous vote on antisemitism but stated the bill is fundamentally flawed.