The change in the law is taking place in an unusual collaboration between the government and the opposition. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party and the social democratic opposition PD party have voted in favor of the change in the Chamber of Deputies - the lower house of parliament.
The amendment is now also expected to pass in the Senate, which will make it easier to prosecute people for rape.
Rape is defined today as being committed using physical force, threats or abuse of power.
The penalty for the crime will remain the same, which is between 6 and 12 years in prison.
