NEW LAW: In Sweden, from now on, sexual relations will be allowed only with explicit consent.

Swedish politicians have agreed to support the law on sexual consent that will allow a greater number of rape and sexual assaults to be processed

If a person by word or clear behavior has not shown that he is ready for sexual activity, then a criminal offense will be committed. Lawmakers are hoping to send a clear message to the company in this way that any sexual contact without the consent is unlawful.

According to current law in Sweden, the Swedish word for 'rape' covers a large number of sexual offenses that have occurred or did not happen under threat or in violent circumstances. Under the new law on sex, which should be passed in 2018, perpetrators can be prosecuted even when there is no presence of violence or threat of violence.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said at the press conference: 'That should be obvious. Sex needs to be voluntary. If it is not voluntary, then it is illegal. If you are not sure it is voluntary, then quit it. '

In light of the popularity of the #MeToo movement, which targets social networks against sexual violence, the Swedish government has been working on laws that would effectively prevent sexual assault and rape. This law on sexual consent is one of the forms of initiative "to put victims' interests in the first place," the Swedish prime minister said.

Similar regulations on explicit consent to sex had previously been introduced in a number of US schools and university campuses, and Sweden should become the first country to enforce such law at the state level. In Denmark, the like bill has not passed.

Law critics argue that the new law will not result in a greater number of court convictions and that innocents may be found in jail. The Swedish government and Löfven emphasize that law was created to change social norms.

In line with its plans, the Swedish government also plans a series of related laws to improve victim support and laws against sexual exploitation and trafficking.

It would also be illegal to buy sexual services to Swedish nationals outside the country (Sweden is buying sexual services already illegally), and more punishment for perpetrators will be introduced. There is also a ten-year plan to combat men's violence against women and plans to electronically track perpetrators of domestic violence.

• 25 Dec, 2017
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