Overview
- The law defines rape and sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act, with consent required to be freely given, informed, specific, prior and revocable.
- The text bars inferring consent from silence or lack of reaction and specifies there is no consent when acts involve violence, coercion, threat or surprise.
- Senators gave final parliamentary approval following a 155–31 National Assembly vote last week, with far-right lawmakers opposed, and the text now proceeds to official publication.
- Supporters say the reform rebalances evidentiary expectations toward alleged perpetrators proving there was consent, while critics argue the standard is subjective and hard to apply.
- Advocacy groups welcomed the step but urged stronger sex education, training for police and justice officials, and more resources for survivor support services.