Italy’s Ministry of Education has instructed schools to prohibit the use of gender-neutral symbols, explaining that such signs are “incomprehensible” and violate the rules of Italian grammar.
According to Reuters, the ministry stated that the use of graphic symbols such as the asterisk (*) or schwa (ə) contradicts language norms and may threaten the clarity and consistency of official communications.
It is noted that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in 2022, sparked controversy when she stated that she would prefer the masculine article “il” to precede her title “presidente del consiglio” rather than the feminine “la.”
The Accademia della Crusca, which safeguards the Italian language, previously recommended avoiding the introduction of gender-neutral symbols in official documents. This move, the agency emphasizes, could intensify tensions between the government, which supports traditional values, and advocates for the rights of LGBT+ individuals and women.
