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Vannacci’s programme calls for abolishing civil unions and banning LGBT+ topics on TV
Roberto Vannacci’s political programme proposes abolishing civil unions and prohibiting LGBT+ content on television, sparking debate in Italy.
By Charlotte Redford · 5 min read
Roberto Vannacci, the Italian general turned politician, has set out a programme that would abolish civil unions and bar LGBT+ people from appearing on television, a vision critics describe as dystopian. The proposals, reported by Italian media, go far beyond the cultural talking points that have defined his public career since the publication of his controversial book.
Vannacci, who is expected to run as a candidate in the European Parliament elections, has built his platform around a return to traditional values. His programme explicitly calls for the repeal of civil unions, the legal recognition of same-sex couples introduced in Italy in 2016, and for a ban on LGBT+ representation in broadcast media. The measures would effectively remove legal protections for same-sex couples and silence LGBT+ voices from public discourse.
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from LGBT+ rights groups and political opponents, who argue that they would roll back hard-won rights and stigmatise an already marginalised community. Supporters, however, see Vannacci as a defender of traditional family structures and a necessary corrective to what they view as excessive progressive influence in Italian culture.
Vannacci’s rise has been meteoric. A former paratrooper and military attaché, he gained national attention in 2023 with the publication of his book, which contained controversial remarks about homosexuality, race, and immigration. The book became a bestseller, and Vannacci was subsequently courted by right-wing parties, eventually aligning with Matteo Salvini’s League. His entry into politics has energised the far-right fringe of the Italian electorate, but it has also unsettled mainstream conservatives who fear his rhetoric could alienate moderate voters.
The programme’s focus on LGBT+ issues is part of a broader cultural agenda that includes opposition to abortion, gender studies, and what Vannacci calls “gender ideology”. He has previously suggested that homosexuality is not a natural orientation and that traditional roles for men and women should be reinforced. His statements have led to disciplinary proceedings within the military, though he has remained defiant, insisting that he is exercising his right to free speech.
Italy’s political landscape has been shifting to the right in recent years, with Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy leading a coalition government that includes Salvini’s League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia. Vannacci’s candidacy is seen as an attempt to capture the most conservative segment of this electorate, which has grown more vocal in its opposition to LGBT+ rights, immigration, and European Union regulations.
Critics argue that Vannacci’s proposals are not just extreme but also legally problematic. Abolishing civil unions would require a constitutional amendment, and banning LGBT+ content on television would likely conflict with European broadcasting standards and freedom of expression. Legal experts have noted that such measures would face significant hurdles in the Italian parliament and the European courts.
The debate comes at a time when LGBT+ rights are under renewed pressure across Europe. Several countries, including Hungary and Poland, have introduced or considered laws that restrict LGBT+ visibility, drawing condemnation from the European Parliament and human rights organisations. Vannacci’s programme aligns with this broader trend, positioning him as part of a transnational movement that seeks to reverse progressive social policies.
For now, Vannacci’s proposals remain a campaign platform rather than legislation. But his growing popularity suggests that the ideas he represents have found a receptive audience in Italy. Whether they translate into electoral success will depend on how voters respond to a programme that many see as a step backward for civil rights.
