Estonia: consent law passed
The Estonian Parliament has passed a law that fundamentally changes its Penal Code on sexual offences after total of 69 members of parliament voted in favour with only 8 against. The basic principle of the 'yes model' is that sexual contact without clear consent is considered rape. This brings Estonian law into line with the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women.
Victims no longer forced to explain
Violence prevention expert Hannaliisa Uusmaa welcomes the new law in Delfi:
“Sex without consent is rape. Responsibility is finally shifting from the victim to the rapist. The law passed today is a moral decision that helps to better protect victims of sexual violence and sends a clear message to society: a person's right to their own body, their sense of safety and their dignity is inviolable. Too many people have had to explain after being raped why they didn't defend themselves. For decades, the system has been based on the premise that the victim must say 'no'. The victim had to be able to explain why they didn't scream, run away or fight back.”
Even issues that seem obvious need rules
Õhtuleht explains the need for the new law:
“Why do we have laws? Why is it still necessary to stipulate in law that taking another person's property against their will is not allowed? Unfortunately, human nature has a dark side. The Consent Law is necessary to ensure that in the most personal of all areas – matters concerning one's own body and sexual self-determination – the boundaries are absolutely clear. The law emphasises a simple principle: sexual contact must be based on voluntary and clearly expressed consent. Furthermore, consent, once given, does not automatically imply consent to everything that follows.”