EEPBN stands with our partner EDGE and Italian LGBTIQ+ associations against discriminatory surrogacy law in Italy.

On 16 October 2024, the Italian Parliament passed a discriminatory law criminalising surrogacy performed abroad for Italian citizens. This law, which provides for prison sentences of up to two years and fines of up to one million euro, affects both individuals and couples, including same-sex couples. By targeting the possibility of surrogacy even in countries where it is legal, the law threatens the rights of LGBTIQ+ families, denying them access to parenthood and failing to recognise their family structures. The law equates surrogacy with serious universal crimes such as torture and human trafficking, and disproportionately harms same-sex couples, who are victims of a persecutory persecution contrary to the Italian Constitution, freedom of movement within the European Union, and numerous principles of international law. The consequences of this law are profound, as it projects a stigma on children born through surrogacy and undermines their legal rights.

Discrimination has no place in our society. EPBN joins EDGE and the Italian LGBTIQ+ Associations in condemning this law and calls for the protection of the fundamental rights of all families.

Download full note from EDGE – LGBTI+ Leader for change.