NPR

Swedish Law Declares Sex Without Consent Is Rape

The bill makes Sweden the 10th European country to redefine rape, making it illegal to engage in a sexual encounter without the verbal or physical consent of all participants.
Swedish parliament passed a law on Wednesday ruling sex without consent is rape.

The Swedish parliament has passed a bill that the government said, "states the obvious: if sex is not voluntary it is illegal."

The new legislation rules that sex without explicit mutual consent is rape. Previously, the law stated rape was committed only in instances where a victim was violently

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
These People Waited Hours To See The Trump Hush-money Trial Up Close. Here's Why
New Yorkers and tourists alike stand in line outside the Manhattan criminal court with hopes of securing a spot in one of the rooms where the trial against former President Donald Trump can be viewed.
NPR2 min read
A Hidden Danger In Gaza; A Haitian Gang Leader Speaks Up
Even if Israel and Gaza agree to a cease-fire, unexploded ordnance could continue to kill and maim Palestinians in Gaza for years. A Haitian gang leader says he's ready for a long fight.
NPR8 min readAmerican Government
Anti-war Protests, A Chicago DNC: Is It 1968 All Over Again? Some Historians Say No
There are clear similarities between 1968 and 2024, from presidential elections and anti-war protests to new Planet of the Apes movies. But historians tell NPR there are some key differences too.

Related Books & Audiobooks