Newly Proposed Bill to Establish a "Regional Observatory on Christianophobia" in Lazio/Italy
Following the increase in acts of violence and vandalism in churches of Rome and the province, regional councillor of Lazio, Laura Corrotti from the Lega party, presented a bill in September to establish a "Regional Observatory on Christianophobia". The aim is to research issues concerning discrimination against the Christian religion and protection of religious freedom, and to document acts of persecution, discrimination, violence and religious intolerance against Christians, which are often labelled as simple acts of vandalism.
The bill is the first of its kind in Italy. The aim is that incidents of Christianophobia, persecution, discrimination, violence and religious intolerance against Christians would be recognized and catalogued as such, and not be declared as simple acts of vandalism, carried out by mentally disturbed people.
The collected data would be published on a website to be accessible to everyone. Furthermore, the bill planned awareness campaigns on freedom of faith, propaganda and worship, in collaboration with local authorities, educational institutions and various public and private bodies. Memoranda of understanding with civil and religious authorities to monitor and report persecution and discrimination were also envisioned, as well as the development of programs to support victims. The real danger, according to Laura Corrotti, was to remain silent and underestimate acts like the ones that occurred in 2020.
The bill is the first of its kind in Italy.
Sources: Il Giornale, La Notizia
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