Italy – Italy’s right-wing government is cracking down on gender-neutral language. The education ministry has officially banned symbols like the asterisk (*) and schwa (ə) in schools, calling them grammatically incorrect and disruptive. This move aligns with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s push to preserve so-called “traditional values,” but critics see it as another attack on inclusivity.
For years, activists have tried to make the Italian language more gender-inclusive. Unlike English, Italian forces gender into most words, using masculine forms as the default. Many believe this reinforces inequality, as even mixed-gender groups are referred to in the masculine. The asterisk and schwa have been adopted as alternatives, especially among younger generations.
Meloni has been clear about her stance. When she took office in 2022, she insisted on being referred to as “il presidente,” using the masculine article instead of the feminine “la.” To her, it was a symbolic rejection of modern gender debates. To others, it was a slap in the face to gender equality efforts.
The ban isn’t just about language. It’s about control. The government’s push against gender-neutral symbols is part of a larger cultural battle. From limiting LGBTQ+ rights to restricting same-sex parental recognition, Meloni’s administration is systematically rolling back progress. The message is clear—traditional gender roles must be upheld, even in grammar.
Supporters argue that gender-neutral symbols make communication confusing. The Accademia della Crusca, Italy’s top linguistic authority, has also advised against using them in official documents. But languages evolve. The same institution once resisted borrowed English words, yet they are now common in Italian. Change is inevitable, no matter how hard conservatives fight it.
This ban will likely deepen divisions. Schools are meant to educate, not police identity. By forcing outdated linguistic rules, Italy isn’t protecting its culture—it’s stifling progress. The fight for gender-inclusive language won’t end with a government decree, and those pushing for equality won’t be silenced so easily.