The Spanish Congress has approved a law to make it easier for victims of sexual violence to prosecute their attackers, emphasizing the importance of consent.
The initiative was launched after a terrible case of gang rape six years ago.
The law guaranteeing sexual freedom, also known as the law "Only yes means yes", has been approved in Congress.
Before it enters into force, it must also be approved by the Senate.
"Sexual freedom will finally be a right in our country," said Irena Montero, Spain's equality minister, who was instrumental in writing the new law.
"We will replace violence with freedom, and we will replace fear with desire. From today, Spain is a freer, safer country for all women."
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Under the new law, victims will no longer have to prove that they suffered violence or intimidation, or that they offered physical resistance.
Any sexual act without consent will be considered assault.
"Consent exists only when... the will is clearly expressed," the law says.
Paralyzed by fear
The change, introduced by Pedro Sánchez's left-wing coalition government, was largely prompted by the so-called Manado, or "wolf pack" case, when five men raped an 2016-year-old girl in Pamplona during the famous bull festival in XNUMX.
All the men were found guilty of sexual abuse and were sentenced to nine years in prison, but the court acquitted them of the rape charge on the grounds that there was no violence or intimidation.
The issue of consent was central to this case.
While the defendants' legal team insisted the victim never said "no," she said she was paralyzed with fear.
The verdict caused a great reaction in society and mass demonstrations in the streets, and some politicians spoke openly against this decision.
In 2019, the Supreme Court overturned the verdict, found the five defendants guilty of rape and increased their sentences to 15 years.
A total of 2.143 cases of rape were reported in Spain in 2021, which is 14 percent more than the previous year and is the highest number recorded so far.
Since 2018, seven other European countries have introduced similar rape laws that emphasize the importance of consent.
These are: Denmark, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Sweden, Iceland and Slovenia, according to Amnesty International.
However, from the right-wing party Vox (Vox), which together with the conservative People's Party opposed the new law, stated that the law is unworkable in practice.
"When you force the system to believe women without evidence, it creates a very dangerous weapon that any woman can use to take revenge or destroy an innocent person's life with lies."
"In many cases, it is impossible for a man to prove consent," said Carla Toscano, vice president of the Vox party.
Prostitution and pornography
The new law foresees greater support for victims of sexual assault.
The definition of sexual violence has also been expanded.
For example, it covers harassment in a public place where a person is humiliated by unwanted "sexual or sexist expressions, behavior or suggestions".
Also, advertising that reinforces gender stereotypes or is considered to promote prostitution is prohibited.
The text of the law states that the goal is to "disincentivize the demand for all types of services related to sexual exploitation, prostitution and pornography that normalizes sexual violence".
In addition, the law calls for young sex offenders to go through education programs about sexual behavior and equality.
A series of recent sexual assaults by minors has raised concerns.
Earlier this month, five teenagers were arrested in Valencia for allegedly raping two teenage girls.
Also watch the video about the Somborski Schneiders - victims of domestic violence
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