Sweden: vote to change rape law historic victory for #MeToo campaigners

Law to recognise that sex without consent is rape passes with overwhelming majority

Sweden now only the tenth country in Europe to recognise that sex without consent is rape 

Sweden’s parliament has today voted to pass a bill which will legally recognise that sex without consent is rape.

Anna Blus, Amnesty International’s Women’s Rights Researcher for Europe, said:

“Today’s vote marks a huge victory for women’s rights activists in Sweden who have been campaigning tirelessly for this change for more than a decade.

“By refusing to stay silent, these activists have led the charge to end sexual violence, and politicians voting today should be guided by their courage.

“Shockingly, this change in law will make Sweden only the tenth country in Europe to recognise that sex without consent is rape. Most European countries still define rape based on physical force, threat or coercion, and these outdated definitions have caused immeasurable harm. While there is still a great distance to travel, we are hopeful that today’s decision will herald a Europe-wide shift in legislation and in attitudes.”