Gender(ed) Violence and Constitutional Degradation in the European Union

• Department of History

The EUI Queer and Feminist Studies Working Group and the Constitutionalism and Politics Working Group host a roundtable on gender-based violence and constitutional degradation.

In the last decade, an alarming regression of constitutional democracies has been occurring around the globe. Illiberal winds are blowing also over Europe, where rights of women and LGBTQI+ people are threatened by accelerating constitutional erosion. The retreat of states and public institutions in the fight against discrimination and the pursuit of gender equality can create fertile grounds for acts of violence, motivated by gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity of the victims. At the same time violence against women is being trivialized and deprived of its gendered dimension.

In this respect, Hungary and Poland represent relevant case studies, especially in the light of the existing tensions with the European Union on this matter. Yet, other E.U. countries deemed as consolidated democracies are experiencing similar issues, although maybe in a subtler way. In Italy, for example, the Parliament’s decision to reject a bill against hate crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity (the so-called DDL Zan) has showcased the lack of commitment to the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution. This roundtable aims to foster an open debate and an exchange of ideas on the following questions: Is there a link between gender-based violence and constitutional degradation? Can the regression of constitutional democracies worsen the situation of women and LGBTQI+ people? Can constitutional law be co-opted in ways that further the anti-gender equality agenda? How can constitutional law contribute to stopping this dangerous process?

Please register in order to get a seat or the ZOOM link.