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Swedish rape law would require explicit consent before sexual contact Swedish rape law would require explicit consent before sexual contact
(about 20 hours later)
Sweden is moving to change its rape law to shift the burden of proof from the claimant to the alleged attacker, in a proposal that would require people to obtain explicit consent before sexual contact. Sweden is moving to change its rape law in a proposal that would require people to get explicit consent before sexual contact.
Isabella Lovin, the deputy prime minister, said the recent #metoo anti-harassment campaign had shown the need for the new legislation, which is expected to be approved by parliament on Thursday. The deputy prime minister, Isabella Lövin, said the recent #metoo anti-harassment campaign “has shown that there is a need” for the new legislation, which was expected to be approved on Thursday in parliament.
Under current Swedish law, someone can be prosecuted for rape only if it is proven that they used threats or violence. Under the proposal, rape could be proven if the claimant did not give his or her explicit verbal agreement or clearly demonstrate a desire to engage in sexual activity. Under current Swedish law someone can be prosecuted for rape only if it has been proved that they used threats or violence. Under the proposal, rape could be proved if the accuser hadn’t given their explicit verbal agreement or clearly demonstrate their desire to engage in sexual activity.
Stefan Lofven, the prime minister, said the “historic reform”, which his coalition has been preparing since taking power in 2014, aims to shift the burden of proof from the claimant in a rape or sexual assault case to the alleged attacker. The prime minister, Stefan Löfven, said his coalition had been preparing the “historic reform” since taking power in 2014.
Addressing victims, he said: “Society is standing by your side.” In Sweden, the prosecution must present evidence to the court proving beyond reasonable doubt that the accused has committed the crime. Following the changes to the law, the prosecution will have to present evidence demonstrating that the sexual act was not consensual.
Addressing victims, Löfven said: “Society is standing by your side.”
If the bill is approved, it would go into effect on 1 July.If the bill is approved, it would go into effect on 1 July.
The proposal is part of a series of initiatives being put forward. Others would make it illegal for Swedes to hire prostitutes abroad and increase sentences for offenders. Buying sex in Sweden is already illegal. The proposal is part of a series of initiatives being put forward. Others would make it illegal for Swedes to hire prostitutes abroad, and increase sentences for offenders. Buying sex in Sweden is already illegal.
Critics say the proposal would not result in more convictions. Critics say the proposal wouldn’t result in more convictions.
• This article was amended on 21 December 2017. The Associated Press issued the following statement: “The Associated Press reported erroneously, based on comments from deputy prime minister Isabella Lövin, what the law would do. The law would require people to get explicit consent before sexual contact, but it would not shift the burden of proof from the victim to the alleged attacker.”