Italy Opens ‘Sex Room’ in Prison Following Court Order
Break10 Web Desk: In a landmark move, Italy has inaugurated its first official ‘sex room’ for inmates, allowing prisoners to engage in private, intimate meetings with their partners. The facility, located in a prison in Terni, Umbria, hosted its inaugural visit on Friday, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to rights for prisoners.
The development follows a January 2024 ruling by Italy’s Constitutional Court, which recognized the right of inmates to have “intimate meetings” with spouses or long-term partners without surveillance. The court emphasised that denying such rights infringes upon personal dignity and rehabilitation prospects.
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The newly established room is equipped with a double bed, bathroom, shower, television, and basic furnishings to ensure comfort and privacy. According to guidelines issued by the ministry of justice, approved inmates can utilise the room for up to two hours, with the door remaining unlocked to allow intervention if necessary.
Giuseppe Caforio, Umbria’s ombudsman for prisoners’ rights, described the initiative as a “small organizational miracle,” noting that the first visit proceeded smoothly and maintained maximum privacy.
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Italy’s move aligns it with several European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, where conjugal visits are permitted. The initiative also addresses concerns over prison overcrowding and inmate well-being, as Italy’s prisons are currently operating over 21 percent above-capacity, with a noted increase in inmate suicides.
