The Law In Italy Governing Indecent Behaviour

British tourists visiting Italy should be aware that Italy prides itself on preserving its cultural heritage, public behaviour and a sense of decorum in public places should be maintained. Local customs and laws related to conduct in public relating to indecency are quite strict.

The recent press reports involving Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori apparently exhibiting conduct amounting to a breach of public decency whilst travelling on the canals in Venice in a river taxi, invoking considerable comment both in Italy and across the world.

Indecent and lewd behaviour in Italy is primarily regulated by the Italian Penal Code (Codice Penale) and local ordinances. The Italian Penal Code covers a wide range of offences, including those related to public decency and morality. While these laws apply to both Italian citizens and foreigners, this article will focus on how they affect foreigners visiting or residing in Italy.