European parliament urges EU to draw up standardised consent-based definition of rape
The European Parliament has urged the EU to establish a standardized consent-based definition of rape, emphasizing the need for uniformity across member states. This initiative aims to address the inconsistencies in current laws, where some countries still require proof of resistance from victims. The proposal received significant support from MEPs, highlighting a shift towards prioritizing consent in sexual violence legislation.
- ▪447 out of 720 MEPs voted in favor of a common definition of rape based on the principle of 'only yes means yes'.
- ▪Currently, eight EU countries still require victims to demonstrate resistance or force in their legal definitions of rape.
- ▪A report indicated that one in ten women in the EU has experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15.
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A common definition would force all members to align with international standards, said one MEP. Photograph: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA common definition would force all members to align with international standards, said one MEP. Photograph: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP/Getty ImagesEuropean Union‘Only yes means yes’: MEPs call for EU to adopt consent-based definition of rapeLegislators say move would be crucial step towards addressing patchwork of laws in place across bloc Europe live – latest updates Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondentTue 28 Apr 2026 14.55 EDTLast modified on Wed 29 Apr 2026 04.41 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe European parliament has called on the EU to draw up a standardised consent-based…
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