'Disgusted': The fashion world reacts to Italy's failed anti-homophobia bill
The 'Zan bill' would have made homophobia, misogyny, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community and disabled people a hate crime.
On Wednesday, the Italian senate killed off a controversial bill that would have criminalised misogyny and violence against LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. The so-called 'Zan bill' — named after Alessandro Zan, an openly-gay legislator — was blocked after the 315-member senate voted by 154 to 131. Critics and observers have called it "one of the worst pages in the history of the Italian republic."
On social media, many key figures from the fashion world have expressed their disappointment and anger at the situation.
"It's a very sad day for Italy," wrote Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele. "Shame on those who, today, decided not to encourage the birth of a more inclusive society. Shame on those who, today, applauded the rejection of basic human rights."
Michele's post also drew support from figures like Gherardo Felloni, Roger Vivier's creative director, and Marc Jacobs, who commented: "Disgraceful."
On Italian social media, a video from the senate went viral after it showed lawmakers — mostly from Italy's right-wing political parties — cheering and applauding after the bill was struck down.
Italian influencer and businesswoman Chiara Ferragni took to Instagram Stories to criticise the move. "These people who should protect our rights rejoice in this way," she wrote in Italian. "Disgusted... We are ruled by clowns without balls."
Donatella Versace wrote on Instagram: "The loss of (the Zan bill) is a defeat that affects us all... As an Italian citizen, I am ashamed of this. I will never stop lending my voice and giving my support to creating a just and fair society."
Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino's longtime creative director, posted an image of himself standing in front of a neon-lit quote from Italian director and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini (who some critics have called "a defiant homosexual and visionary.") Translated to English, the quote reads: "We still want to be able to dream."
In his caption, Piccioli said: "(The Zan law) is a law that protects the dignity of every individual, and whoever cheered today applauded a failure of the morality of this country. But I am here, I will not move, and I will use my voice even more than before.
"My country is not the one that applauded today, but the one that will guide the change of tomorrow."
