European parliament urges EU to draw up standardised consent-based definition of rape
Summary
The European Parliament voted to urge the European Union to create a single, clear definition of rape based on consent, meaning only a clear "yes" counts as permission. This aims to replace differing laws across EU countries that sometimes require proof of force or resistance.Key Facts
- 447 of 720 Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of a consent-based definition of rape.
- The new definition states that silence, absence of "no," or past relationships do not count as consent.
- Some EU countries, including Italy, Hungary, and Romania, still require evidence of force or resistance in rape cases.
- A common definition would align all member states with international standards.
- The vote received strong support but faces uncertainty about whether the European Commission will act on it.
- The "only yes means yes" approach gained attention after cases like that of Gisèle Pelicot, who was drugged and raped.
- Studies show one in ten women in the EU experience sexual violence, but very few rapes lead to convictions.
- Some EU governments previously blocked efforts, calling a common definition outside the EU’s authority.
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