Indicator history

In January 2006 the Parliament adopted an act, requested by the xenophobic party Lega Nord, which significantly weakens the penalties against hate speech and instigation to racial discrimination. As regards specific anti discrimination legislation, the main development has been (2004) the opening of the new Bureau for the promotion of equal treatment (UNAR) mandated to receive complaints of cases of discrimination, analysing them and giving qualified assistance to victims and to promote studies, research, training awareness raising and disseminating information on the struggle against racism.

The Lega Nord (Northern League), a prominent political party in Italy, frequently uses racist and anti-Romani language in public statements. Mr Umberto Bossi, leader of the Lega Nord, distributed fliers during the campaign for regional elections that stated, "If you don't want Gypsies, Moroccans and delinquents in your house, be the master of your own home in a liveable city and vote Lega Nord." In the town of Voghera, centre-right candidate Aurelio Torriani distributed fliers intended to discredit centre-left candidate Antonella Dagradi with the slogan: "The Gypsies will certainly vote for Antonella Dagradi. Do you want to do the same?" Lega Nord supporters recited what they termed the "Gypsy Prayer" at a rally led by Lega Nord Member of Parliament Mario Borghezio in the same town: "Give us a million a month, the city doesn't have other expenses, put us at the top of the list for a house, because we are nomads, but we are sticking around; but we wouldn't want to be gassed by angry Voghero inhabitants."

Source: Enar, Responding to racism in Italy

http://www.errc.org/article/hate-speech-and-literature-in-italy/1040