ROME - A motion has been passed by the Rome City Council to close the International Women’s House in the capital (la Casa internazionale delle donne di Roma), due to the organisation’s inability to pay their rent. Activists gathered in Piazza del Campidoglio to protest against the motion, calling it a violation of female rights. They created so much disturbance that President of the Chamber Marcello De Vito was forced to suspend the sitting.

 The motion was presented by Five Star Movement Councillor Gemma Guerrini on Monday Oct. 29. She proposed the organisation's closure and recovery of the property in which it is based. She also suggested the enforcement of measures banning the property from being taken over by other associations. The organisation consequently risks going into liquidation.

 “Guerrini is permitting the liquidation of our project here at the International Women's House solely because we are struggling to afford the costly rent,” a representative of the organisation said. “We have already responded to this by contesting the incorrect statements in Guerrini’s report, and have called for a re-negotiation with the Council, which for some inexplicable reason has been suspended for four months now."

 The representative adds, “the administration’s attack on buildings dedicated to women is intolerable and dangerous. The political and cultural importance of feminism and women is being rejected, as is that of other social activities which are on the verge of suspension.”

 Secretary of Rome’s Democratic Party (Pd) Andrea Casu was among the many activists at Piazza del Campidoglio, as well as regional councilors Marta Bonafoni e Marta Leonori. Former regional Councillor of Culture Giulia Rodano was also in attendance.

 “As the Democatic Party of Rome, we are here to in Piazza del Campadoglio to show our support for the International House of Women, which is about to be closed under Rome’s first female mayor,” a party representative declared.

 Despite the protests and postponement requests, the Five Star Movement’s motion was approved by the Capitoline Assembly, with 27 votes in favour and just two against. Guerrini was the first to sign the motion.

 The Democratic Party’s councillors refused to vote. Before the motion was passed, head of the Democratic Party Giulio Pelonzi intervened, saying, “we are facing a violent political and administrative attack.” He called the motion “an utter embarrassment.”

 After the motion’s approval, President of the Chamber Marcello De Vito suspended the sitting due to the “disturbances” caused by the protests.  

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