In a world where family names carry the weight of generations, a battle over baby’s surnames is brewing in Italy. A mother brings a tiny human into the world, endures sleepless nights, survives nappy disasters that belong in horror films, and then society says, “Great job, Mom. Slap Dad’s surname on the birth certificate and call it a day.” Well, Italy’s Parliament is finally asking the obvious question – why?

“Babies should bear their mother’s name”

In a move that’s stirring up quite the debate in Italy, former Culture Minister Dario Franceschini has proposed a groundbreaking bill that flips tradition on its head. The bill suggests that babies should be given the mother’s name. In a world where patriarchal norms are practically woven into the fabric of society, this is nothing short of revolutionary.

Currently, Italian children automatically inherit their father’s surname, with the mother’s name occasionally tacked on if the father is absent from the child’s life. However, this practice was declared discriminatory by Italy’s Constitutional Court in 2022. The court said children should be given both parents’ surnames in the order the parents choose unless they mutually agree their children should take just one of them. If there is any disagreement, a judge would have the final say. In response, Franceschini’s proposal goes one step further: it doesn’t just allow the mother’s surname; it prioritises it. He argues that this would rectify a “historic wrong” and address gender inequality rooted in Italian naming conventions.

In a world where gender equality is the buzzword of the century, you’d think this proposal would be celebrated. But that’s not the case. Critics argue that flipping the default from father to mother is an overcorrection. Far-right leader Matteo Salvini didn’t mince words when he said, “Of course, let’s wipe these fathers off the face of the earth; that way we’ll solve all the problems.” Dramatic? Absolutely. But it shows how deeply ingrained these naming conventions are.

A bold step

Now, let’s be real. In most families, it’s the mother who carries the baby for nine months, is the primary caregiver, and she magically remembers every school event and doctor’s appointment. Yet, when it comes to surnames, she often fades into the background. This isn’t about erasing fathers; it’s about finally giving mothers a chance to be front and centre. Think about it – why should tradition trump fairness? Why should fathers have an automatic claim over something as personal as a name?

Indians are no strangers to patriarchal naming norms either. As Italy grapples with this identity overhaul, perhaps it’s time for India to ask similar questions. Italy’s surname saga is about more than just names; it’s about identity and fairness. Whether the bill passes or not, it has sparked a conversation that every society must eventually have. After all, a name is not just a name – it’s a legacy. And it’s high time we let mothers leave theirs.

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