Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
Politician · policy
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Giorgia Meloni on LGBTQ+ Issues

Opposes same-sex marriage (strong)

Giorgia Meloni maintains a conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues, consistently advocating for what she terms the 'natural family' exclusively headed by male-female pairs. She has explicitly declared her opposition to same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting.

Meloni has been vocal in her opposition to expanding LGBTQ+ rights beyond the recognition already granted by Italian civil union laws, which she stated she would not change as Prime Minister, despite previously supporting a referendum to abrogate them. She has also expressed skepticism toward the concept of 'gender ideology' and opposed specific legislative measures aimed at combating homophobia.

Historically, Meloni has participated in anti-LGBT rights demonstrations and made personal statements indicating a preference against having a gay child, reinforcing her commitment to conservative social values. Her political identity is strongly tied to the defense of 'God, fatherland, family' as core tenets of Italian culture.

Context

Giorgia Meloni's political ideology is explicitly rooted in national-conservatism, often summarized by the motto 'Dio, patria, famiglia' ('God, fatherland, family'). This framework inherently positions her against many elements of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, which she often frames as a progressive political 'lobby' or 'ideology' that threatens Italian and traditional Christian identity.

Her public statements and legislative priorities, particularly concerning family law and identity politics, confirm that LGBTQ+ issues are a central element of her social conservative platform. These views align her with conservative and far-right figures globally.

Timeline

  1. Participated in the Family Day demonstration and announced her pregnancy.
  2. Expressed that the recognition of civil union law in Italy was 'good enough' while having previously supported a referendum to abrogate it.
  3. Criticized The Walt Disney Company for including a gay couple in the film Frozen II.
  4. Spoke out against a proposal to change identity card wording from 'father and mother' to 'parent 1 and parent 2'.
  5. Declared that there is 'no homophobia' in Italy and opposed the DDL Zan anti-homophobia law.

Actions Taken

  1. Legislative push
    Pushed in Parliament for a law to make surrogacy, pejoratively called 'uterus renting,' a universal crime.
  2. Constitutional reform proposal
    Supported changing the Constitution of Italy to make it illegal for same-sex couples to adopt children.
  3. Legislation
    As Prime Minister, the government introduced legislation that dictates only a child's biological parent can be named on their birth certificate.

Key Quotes

I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian.

Speech at a rally in Rome January 1, 2019 — Used this phrase to define her identity against progressive feminism and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Yes to the natural family. No to the LGBT lobby, yes to sexual identity. No to gender ideology.

Vox party congress speech October 1, 2021 — Stated this position alongside other conservative stances during a major European right-wing gathering.

Related Positions

  • Abortion Meloni opposes abortion but stated she would not change the current law, seeking only to enforce the 'prevention' aspect more fully.
  • Family Structure Her core stance is the defense of the traditional nuclear family, which directly informs her opposition to same-sex marriage and adoption.

Criticism

Critics and observers

Cited her speeches on LGBT rights as evidence that she could lead Italy towards a more illiberal direction, contrary to her moderating claims.

Feminists

Accused her of being anti-women due to her focus on a conservative view of womanhood tied to motherhood and tradition.