What is happening
Six reformist Democratic senators voted in favor of the bill during its first Senate passage, despite the party’s decision to abstain. The PD, Five Star Movement and AVS have proposed an amendment stating that criticism of the political actions of the Israeli government is not antisemitism. Opponents argue that the IHRA indicators could be used to target legitimate criticism of Israel and describe the bill as a potential “gag law.” The vote on amendments was postponed in committee, with the next timing expected to be set shortly; the bill is scheduled for the Chamber on October 2. The government says it hopes to approve the text passed by the Senate.
Why is it on the Radar?
The bill has exposed significant divisions within the Democratic Party and generated criticism from opposition groups over the balance between combating antisemitism and protecting political expression. The differing positions could lead the PD to vote in multiple ways during the parliamentary process.