italy’s ruling party senator asserts women should prioritize having children
Published on: December 30, 2023.
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Italian Senator Sparks Outrage with Controversial Statement on Women’s Aspirations
An Italian senator from the right-wing party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ignited controversy by stating that young women’s “first aspiration” should be to have children. This comment, made by Senator Lavinia Mennuni, has drawn criticism from opposition groups.
The Brothers of Italy party, to which Mennuni belongs, has made it a priority to combat the country’s declining birth rate and promote the traditional family, while also taking a stance against same-sex parenting.
During a talk show on the La7 TV channel, Mennuni, seated next to a Catholic archbishop, expressed her belief that Italian and Vatican institutions need to make maternity “cool” again and encourage young people to marry early and start families. She emphasized the importance of bringing children into the world who will become future citizens and Italians.
Senaor Paita from the centrist Italia Viva party criticized these remarks, describing them as “embarrassing backwardness” and representing outdated ideas. Similarly, Chiara Appendino, a lawmaker from the left-leaning Five Star Movement, accused the Brothers of Italy party of suffering from “Medieval nostalgia.” She argued that young women should be empowered to dream and pursue their aspirations freely.
This is not the first time that Senator Mennuni has sparked controversy. She recently proposed a bill that would prohibit school directors from canceling Catholic-themed activities, such as Christmas plays and nativity scenes.
Reversing Italy’s Declining Birth Rate: The Brothers of Italy Party’s Mission
The Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is prioritizing the reversal of Italy’s decreasing birth rate. They believe in the promotion of the traditional family structure and are actively opposing same-sex parenting practices.
During a talk show on the La7 TV channel, Senator Lavinia Mennuni, who is associated with the Brothers of Italy, expressed the view that Italian and Vatican institutions must work together to reinstate the importance of motherhood and encourage young people to get married and start families at an early age.
According to Senator Mennuni, having children is a “beautiful thing” and women should prioritize becoming mothers to contribute to the future of Italy. Her comments, made alongside a Catholic archbishop, generated both support and criticism.
Criticism From Opposition Parties
Opposition parties have condemned Senator Mennuni’s statement, denouncing it as regressive and outdated. Senator Raffaella Paita, a member of the centrist Italia Viva party, expressed her dismay at the senator’s perspective, stating that her words reflect an “embarrassing backwardness.”
Chiara Appendino, a lawmaker from the left-leaning Five Star Movement, took to social media to criticize the Brothers of Italy party. Appendino argued that the party suffers from a “Medieval nostalgia” and urged young women to embrace their freedom to dream and pursue their aspirations unhindered.
A Controversial Proposal Related to Catholic-Themed Activities in Schools
Senator Mennuni has previously drawn criticism for proposing a bill that would prevent school directors from discontinuing Catholic-themed activities, such as Christmas plays and nativity scenes.
While the senator’s intentions may be rooted in preserving religious traditions, opponents argue that such a move could limit the diversity of school activities and impose religious practices on those who do not share the same beliefs.
Source: The Financial Express
