Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace strongly criticised the recent steps of Italy's right-wing government to diminish the rights of LGBTQ individuals in her impactful speech at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards held during Milan Fashion Week.
'Fight For Freedom'
In her passionate speech, Versace strongly condemned the anti-LGBTQ+ measures enacted by the government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These policies include limitations on the parental rights of same-sex couples and a nationwide prohibition on surrogacy for such couples, carrying severe penalties such as imprisonment and substantial fines.
"Currently, our government is making efforts to strip people of their freedom to lead their lives as they choose," Versace remarked during her address. She specifically highlighted a government policy that recognizes only the biological parent in same-sex partnerships as the legal parent, emphasising how these actions are curtailing personal freedoms.
"The freedom to walk confidently down the streets, unburdened by fear, irrespective of one's identity. The freedom to form a family and lead one's life according to personal desires. The freedom to love whomever one chooses," Versace said.
"We must all extend support for freedom in an era where transgender individuals continue to endure horrifying violence, where the children of same-sex couples are not legally recognized parents, and where marginalized voices face hostility through new legislation, there is still much work to be done."
Furthermore, the designer recounted a personal story involving her brother Gianni, who came out as gay at the tender age of 11, emphasizing how his love and acceptance had a deep influence on her. She expressed her pride in being recognized as an icon within the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirmed her dedication to advocating for freedom, equality, and inclusivity.
The attendees at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards expressed their deep appreciation for Versace's statement by giving her a sincere standing ovation.
Regressive Italian Laws
In March, the government instructed the city of Milan to cease the automatic inclusion of both parents in same-sex couples on city registers. Subsequently, in June, Meloni's administration actively promoted legislation that would criminalize Italian citizens' attempts to become parents, even in nations where such practices are lawful.
Concurrently, in the same month, a state prosecutor in northern Italy requested the annulment of 33 birth certificates for children born to lesbian couples dating back to 2017, arguing that the names of the non-biological mothers should be omitted.
Surrogacy is prohibited in Italy and the majority of European countries. Therefore, couples travel to nations where the practice is permitted, such as the United States and Canada, and then return to their home country with their infants.
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