Infidelity with Impunity in Italy

The Italian Judicial system may have opened the flood gates for adultery and spousal infidelity by practically decriminalizing extra-marital affairs for married women. In a ruling by the country's highest appeals court, a married woman is given the leeway to lie about an illicit affair to protect her honor. The Court of Cassation, reversed the conviction of a married woman who gave false testimony about a lover, ruling that she had broken no law; and that bending the truth was justified to conceal extra-marital affairs.

Anyone who has entered into a relationship with an Italian would perhaps confirm that being faithful is not one of their inconspicuous virtues. Or, if they possess this virtue at all. Italians have been painted as persistent suitors and passionate lovers who always want to be near the woman they love. If that's not possible, they pour their love to the nearest woman. A recent survey revealed that 50% of Italians are unfaithful, and looking at an Italian couple, if the man is faithful, then the woman isn't - and vice versa.

The ruling requires clarification if it should also apply to men who have secret mistresses, unless this is taken as a natural occurrence or situation among married men; regardless if the secret lover is male or female. It also raises the issue of lying under oath which erodes the validity of the testimony; to protect her honor which is non-existent, since the marital vows have been broken and the marriage de-sanctified. Certainly, La Dolce Vita is intriguing in Italy, to say the least.

In a Catholic country like Italy, one would expect damnation from the Church and all its lay organizations, and the Justice system would take a negative view of this development. But here, it's truly a license to lie granted by the courts. The Appeals Court has been known to issue controversial rulings in the past, like the rescinded judgment denying the charge of rape since the woman was wearing tight jeans. The contention was it could only be removed with her consent. Protests from women caused the withdrawal of this ruling.

What can be expected to follow? The Catholic church not including adultery as a sin to confess? Or a law that infidelity is tolerated for as long as no child out of wedlock is born? What good is getting married if any one of the spouses can be unfaithful with impunity? There is no saying where this ruling could lead. Avoiding relationships with an Italian is perhaps a good start. Or, if ever, not to expect fidelity. There is reason to believe that fidelity among Italians can only be found in their passions, their clothes, their accessories, their pizza, and their pasta; not necessarily in that order.

Haaaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!