Non-stop mobilisation Against the Bongiorno bill
Without consent, it’s rape
Rome 28.02 - National protest

Non-stop mobilisation

Against the Bongiorno bill

Without consent, it’s rape

Rome 28.02

National protest

Piazza della Repubblica, 1 p.m.

Updates at www.senzaconsensoèstupro.com

The amendment to article 609-bis of the penal code (sexual violence offence), presented by senator

Giulia Bongiorno, introduces a significant change compared to the text previously approved by the

chamber.

From consent to dissent.

The amendment removes the expression “absence of free and actual consent” and replaces it with a

mention to “opposed will”. The law under discussion stipulates that the opposed will to the sexual

act must be demonstrated and assessed in light of the context and situation. The focus is moved

from the absence of consent to the proof of dissent.

It will be the conduct, morality, habits and personal history of the one who has suffered violence to

be investigated. The trial shifts to the behaviour of the victim. It will ask why they did not react,

why they did not scream, why they did not run away.

Their body, their words, their silence will be judged.

Against this proposal, the mobilisation is permanent.

Because silence is not consent. Fear is not consent. Immobility is not consent. Only yes means yes.

If you didn’t scream or

cry, is it not rape?

No. There is no correct

way to react to violence.

If you were in a relationship, is

consent automatically granted?

No. Consent is never assumed.

Only yes means yes.

If you didn’t react physically,

is it not violence?

No. Immobility is a response to

violence.

If you didn’t say no, does that

mean you agreed?

No. Silence is not consent.

If you chose a certain outfit,

were you sending a message?

No. The outfit doesn’t equal

consent.

Not on our bodies.

Against the Bongiorno

bill

download the flyer translation