Italy has passed a controversial new law that criminalises seeking surrogacy abroad, marking a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights.
Surrogacy is already illegal within Italy, and the legislation now extends penalties—including hefty fines and prison sentences—to those who pursue surrogacy outside the country.
The move, championed by conservative politician Carolina Varchi, has been widely criticised for disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, who already face significant barriers in family formation due to restrictive adoption laws that only allow heterosexual couples to adopt.
Proponents of the law, including some Italian senators, argue that surrogacy exploits women, while critics see it as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Many have expressed outrage, saying that the law further marginalises non-traditional families.
Franco Grillini, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, described the legislation as "monstrous," stating that no other country imposes such harsh restrictions. The law has sparked a heated debate, with some pointing out that Italy’s stance is out of step with more progressive policies seen in other parts of Europe and the world.
Source:
The Metro
