12 Facts About Katia Bellillo

Katia Bellillo was born on 17 February 1951 and is an Italian politician and former minister.

Katia Bellillo served in governments under Massimo D'Alema and Giuliano Amato between 1998 and 2001.

Katia Bellillo later became Minister for Equal Opportunities in 2000, in which role she successfully championed a range of issues including LGBT rights and women's boxing.

Katia Bellillo was born in Foligno in Umbria on 17 February 1951.

Katia Bellillo served two terms as a member of the Italian Communist Party, and was raised to be vice president of the Regional Council.

Katia Bellillo later became a city councilor in Perugia where she was part of the Board of Directors of the local public transport company and a member of the Management Committee of the local health authority.

Katia Bellillo became vice president of the Provincial Council of Perugia and councilor with responsibility for wildlife planning, social services, education, culture, sports and leisure, equal opportunities.

The end of the century saw upheaval in the government and after two crises in five months, Katia Bellillo was given a new responsibility on 26 April 2000.

Katia Bellillo launched a national campaign to remove discrimination against female boxers and promote the sport of women's boxing.

Katia Bellillo joined the XIV European Affairs Commission and was the member of the PDCI National Secretariat responsible for the Department of Civil Rights.

Mussolini responded by kicking Katia Bellillo and calling her an "ugly communist".

Katia Bellillo denounced her in an interview in Corriere della Sera and was unsuccessfully sued by Ferilli due to parliamentary immunity.