Denmark’s government has passed a law that clearly defines sex without explicit consent as rape.
Previously, the law required proof of violence, threat or evidence that the victim was unable to resist in order to constitute rape.
“Now it will be clear that if both parties do not consent to sex, then it’s rape,” Denmark’s justice minister, Nick Haekkerup, said after the Thursday ruling, which lawmakers approved unanimously.
The measure will take effect on Jan. 1, 2021.
The Justice Ministry also said it will be creating a 24/7 hotline for assault victims, updating sex education curriculums, and setting up special police teams to improve how rape cases are handled, according to the New York Times.
About 11,400 women are raped or subject to attempted rape each year in Denmark, according to the Justice Ministry.
Denmark now becomes the 12th country in Europe to adopt a law that recognizes non-consensual sex as rape.
