Legislation10/2/2026

Italy Prepares to Enshrine the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism in Law

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies is expected to hold a final vote on Bill DDL 1004, which would give binding force to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. The source reports on a future vote, so its outcome is not stated in the publication.

Key facts

•Bill: DDL 1004
•Voting body: Italy’s Chamber of Deputies
•Source update: October 2, 2026
•The Senate approved the initiative on March 4
•In 2025, 963 antisemitic incidents were documented
•Existing law: the 1993 Mancino Law

What the Bill Proposes

DDL 1004 formally enshrines in Italian legislation the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the IHRA in 2016. Under it, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward them. The definition may also apply to collective accusations or criticism of Israel if they turn into hatred of Jews or discrimination.

Who Is Advancing the Initiative

The bill was introduced by the right-wing League party, which is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition. The Italian Senate approved the initiative on March 4. If the Chamber of Deputies also approves it, Italy will, according to the source, become the first country to enshrine the IHRA definition as binding national law, rather than merely as a government resolution.

Why Controversy Arose

Supporters of the initiative point to a rise in antisemitism since October 7: the Italian monitoring center documented 963 antisemitic incidents in 2025—more than twice the number in 2022. The Union of Italian Jewish Communities welcomed the Senate’s approval of the bill. Opponents, including representatives of left-wing parties and several Jewish groups, fear that the law could restrict freedom of expression and lead to criticism of Israel being equated with antisemitism.

Political Disputes and Protests

Most representatives of the Democratic Party abstained during the debate on the initiative, although six senators supported it. A demonstration against the law was held near the La Scala opera house in Milan, and another protest was planned near the Parliament building during the vote. Opponents also note that Italy already has the 1993 Mancino Law against hate crimes, racism, discrimination, and fascist propaganda.

What this means for you

For residents of Israel, this initiative does not directly change Israeli law. However, after its approval, it may affect the legal assessment of public statements and activities in Italy concerning Jews and the State of Israel. The precise implications will depend on the final wording and how it is implemented in practice; the source does not provide the result of the vote.

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