Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace has sharply criticized moves by Italy’s far-right government to restrict the rights of same-sex couples, lashing out at anti-LGBTQ+ policies in a speech Sunday night at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards during Milan Fashion Week. The new Italian government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which took power last year, has rolled out several new laws, including policies ordering municipalities to stop the registration of most children with same-sex parents and extending a national ban on surrogacy for same-sex couples, making it illegal to go abroad for the practice, with prison terms of up to two years and a fine of up to 1 million euro. Versace in her speech while accepting an award shed light on the government’s unjust approach, saying “We all have to fight for freedom.” The crowd at the Awards ceremony leaped to their feet, giving Versace a sustained standing ovation, showing support for what she said about the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. Versace was accepting the Humanitarian Award for Equity and Inclusivity and was accompanied on stage by Italian left-wing politician and LGBTQ+ activist Alessandro Zan. Versace showed her support for Alessandro Zan and emphasized the work he is doing.
