#IoLoChiedo
Sex without consent is rape. Let's modify the Italian penal code for justice.
#IoLoChiedo is Amnesty International Italy's campaign to bring Italian legislation into line with international standards. The goal is to amend article 609-bis of the penal code so that any sexual act without consent is considered a crime. The campaign also aims to raise awareness among young people on the issue of rape and consent.
Consent is fundamental
Consent to have sexual intercourse must be a free and voluntary choice for all people involved. Being silent or not saying no is not equivalent to giving your consent. Unfortunately, the concept that sex without consent is rape is not yet universally accepted. For this reason, Amnesty International Italy has relaunched the #IoLoChiedo campaign.
Italian law on rape
Currently, the Italian penal code defines rape based exclusively on the use of violence, force, threat or coercion. Amnesty International calls for a revision of article 609-bis of the penal code. The goal is for any non-consensual sexual act to be punishable by law. An adjustment of Italian legislation and a cultural shift are necessary.
Action for justice
Amnesty International calls on the Minister of Justice to revise article 609-bis of the penal code. The organization calls for an adjustment of Italian legislation and a strong push for cultural change. Amnesty International Italy is relaunching the #IoLoChiedo campaign with a new visual design.
What you can do
- Support Amnesty International Italy's #IoLoChiedo campaign.
- Inform and raise awareness among friends and family about the importance of consent.
- Ask the Minister of Justice to revise article 609-bis of the penal code.
Sex without consent is rape!
Sex without consent is rape! This simple concept should unite everyone, because rape and other sexual crimes constitute a serious attack on the physical, mental integrity and sexual autonomy of the survivor.
Rape and other sexual crimes are violations of human rights in themselves and compromise the enjoyment of a series of other human rights. Unfortunately, this thinking is not always widespread and recognized. A recent Eurostat, FRA and EIGE survey confirms catastrophic data: in Europe, one in three women has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, and in Italy at least 31% of women and girls have experienced some form of physical and sexual violence. These numbers are alarming and remain unchanged since 2013, indicating a society that continues to objectify women. In Italy, there persists the prejudice that blames women for the sexual violence they suffer, and the penal code in article 609-bis links the crime of rape to violence, threat, deception or abuse of authority, without referring to consent as a fundamental element, unlike what is established by the Istanbul Convention.
What Amnesty asks
Amnesty International Italy calls on the Minister of Justice to revise article 609-bis of the penal code, so that any non-consensual sexual act is punishable, adopting a model that emphasizes the consent of the victim. It also asks for investment in the training of all professionals who come into contact with survivors and to ensure affective and sexual education in schools, which includes consent and bodily autonomy.
Content reported from amnesty.it.
Take action now
Join the campaign with your Amnesty group in Lazio.
AI-generated content verified against Amnesty International's official sources. Last updated: 2026-04-19
