In a bold move that may reshape Italian family naming conventions, former minister and Democratic Party senator Dario Franceschini has proposed a law requiring children to take only their mother's surname. This initiative, presented on March 25, 2025, seeks to rectify what Franceschini describes as a centuries-long injustice towards women by eliminating the paternal surname tradition.
During an assembly of the Democratic Party, Franceschini articulated his reasoning for the proposal, emphasizing that it is a necessary simplification of the current legal framework surrounding surnames. He remarked, "Anziché creare infiniti problemi con la gestione dei doppi cognomi, invece di quello del padre e quello della madre – stabiliamo che dalla nuova legge prenderanno il solo cognome della madre. È una cosa semplice ed anche un risarcimento per una ingiustizia secolare che ha avuto non solo un valore simbolico, ma è stata una delle fonti culturali e sociali delle disuguaglianze di genere." This assertion frames the proposal as not merely a legal formality but a step towards gender equality.
The backdrop of Franceschini's proposal is a recent ruling by the Italian Constitutional Court in 2022, which effectively eliminated the automatic assignment of the father's surname to newborns, indicating a shift in societal norms. Currently, there are multiple legislative proposals concerning surnames under discussion in the Senate, reflective of the complexities and divisions on this issue.
The reaction to Franceschini's proposal has been mixed. Supporters, including fellow Democrats like Laura Boldrini, have positively interpreted the move as a "battle for civilization," advocating for the restoration of equality that has historically been denied to women. Boldrini stated that this change is necessary to raise awareness of women's contributions in familial settings.
On the other side of the political spectrum, criticisms emerged swiftly from various factions. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League, denounced the proposal via social media, sarcastically questioning the priorities of the left: "Ecco le grandi priorità della sinistra italiana: invece del doppio cognome, togliere ai bimbi il cognome del padre! Ma certo, cancelliamoli dalla faccia della terra questi papà, così risolviamo tutti i problemi." Salvini's comment underlines a common concern among opponents—that such a law could diminish the role of fathers in society.
Political analyst Carlo Calenda also expressed skepticism, questioning whether these legislative discussions were truly the most urgent matters at hand: "Altre priorità non ne abbiamo? Boh." His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some lawmakers who view the issue as potentially trivial in light of more pressing national concerns.
Adding a layer of complexity to the debate, Cesare Mirabelli, the president emeritus of the Constitutional Court, raised legal issues regarding the proposal. He has suggested that the bill may face constitutional challenges, stating, "Il ddl Franceschini sarà criticabile ed impugnabile per illegittimità costituzionale: introduce una diseguaglianza." Mirabelli's insight emphasizes the need for a careful legal approach to such a significant change in naming laws that has deep cultural roots.
Not all responses from opposition parties were notably critical; some acknowledged the worthiness of the discussion. Representatives from the Five Star Movement and other parties remarked on the historical difficulties surrounding the laws regarding surnames, with concerns that Franceschini's proposal might provoke further divisive opinions rather than resolve them.
As the Italian Senate prepares to discuss the implications of Franceschini's legislation, many are observing how these debates about gender roles, family structures, and legal identities will shape contemporary Italian society. The outcome could mark a pivotal shift, positioning Italy amidst a larger global conversation about family naming practices and gender equality.
This initiative, now suspended in the legislative process, may yet gain momentum, as many argue that a singular focus on maternal surnames would not only change how society perceives parental roles but also align Italy more closely with progressive norms seen elsewhere in the world. As discussions continue, the dialogue surrounding Franceschini's proposal represents a critical juncture in Italy's evolving approach to gender equality and parental identity, challenging traditional frameworks that have long defined family structures.
