Parliament has agreed to a new legal definition of rape.
Pressure groups have been demanding for years that Switzerland change the legal meaning of rape which many feel is currently limiting and outdated as it’s based mainly on the threat of violence.
The two houses had been debating the difference between ‘yes means yes’ or ‘no means no.’ In other words, does consent or non-consent have to be given explicitly?
A third way has been settled on. The new definition will be based on the ‘no means no’ argument, but a liaison could be considered rape if the victim was in a state unable to give a firm response – such as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
While many pressure groups had been calling for the ‘yes means yes’ definition – the compromise is being welcomed.
Amnesty International says it’s real progress in changing the law.
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