I start this petition today anchored in a deeply personal and unjust history. My grandparents, who rightfully were Italian citizens, were stripped of their rights due to the restrictive laws prior to 1948. This historical bias primarily against women has led to an incalculable number of descendants being unjustly denied their Italian citizenship at birth.

Italian nationality law is based on 'jus sanguinis' (right of blood), where anyone of Italian descent is rightfully categorized as an Italian citizen. Unfortunately, before the Italian constitution came into effect on 1st January 1948, Italian women could not pass their citizenship to their children, should their child be born to a foreign father, before that date. This law has led to the deprivation of Italian citizenship for countless descendants around the globe.

In a modern and democratic state, which Italy prides itself to be, this law remains discriminatory and obstructs the very essence of equal rights—a fundamental tenet of the Italian constitution.

Besides, the bureaucracy surrounding obtaining Italian citizenship by descent is notoriously slow, with countless cases pending for years, and proceedings delaying unnecessarily.

Italy's recent rulings regarding citizenship, particularly around those with Italian descent, have raised concerns for many who are seeking Italian citizenship based on their ancestral ties. While the specific details may vary depending on the exact laws and rulings in question, here's a general outline of the rights that could be perceived as being infringed upon, depending on the context of the changes:

Right to Heritage and Ancestral Citizenship: Many individuals seeking citizenship based on their Italian heritage might feel that their right to claim citizenship through descent (jure sanguinis) is being denied. This could be seen as an infringement on their right to belong to a nation due to their bloodline and ancestral ties.
Right to Equal Treatment: If the new rulings impose additional, stringent requirements or restrictions on people of Italian descent seeking citizenship (for example, limiting eligibility to only those whose ancestors maintained Italian citizenship or other bureaucratic hurdles), it could be viewed as a violation of the principle of non-discrimination. This could create inequality among people with similar ancestral backgrounds.
Right to National Identity and Connection: For individuals of Italian descent living abroad, particularly those in countries with large Italian diasporas (such as the U.S., Argentina, or Brazil), the right to connect with their heritage and possibly live in Italy might feel limited. These individuals often view Italian citizenship not only as a right but also as a way to strengthen their connection to Italy’s culture, history, and society.
Due Process and Fair Treatment: If the new citizenship rules are applied retroactively or unevenly, they could potentially violate the right to due process. For example, if people have already started the process of claiming citizenship based on their Italian descent and are suddenly subjected to new restrictions or requirements, it could be seen as unfair and a breach of procedural fairness.
Right to Mobility and Residency: Citizenship typically grants individuals the right to reside in a country and access social services. If new rulings make it harder for people of Italian descent to obtain citizenship, it could limit their ability to live or work in Italy or the European Union, infringing on their right to free movement and residency, particularly within the EU.

Let's unite to urge the Italian government and relevant authorities to expedite the process of obtaining Italian citizenship and rectify the unfortunate impact of past legislation. It's time to honor the rights of descendants of Italian citizens worldwide and rectify this longstanding issue. Sign the petition to let the truth be heard.