The Legal Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu decided on Thursday to send a new bill to its first reading. According to the bill, sexual intercourse without consent is considered rape. This means that both partners must be certain that the other party consents.
The committee chairman Madis Timpson stated that the new bill changes the approach to sexual crimes. Previously, it was considered whether the victim had the strength to resist. Now it must be determined whether the victim gave consent.
Timpson added that 20% of women have experienced sexual violence in their lives. However, many cases remain uninvestigated. The new law will help protect victims better.
According to the bill, sexual intercourse always requires the consent of the other party. Consent does not need to be verbal, but it must be clear and voluntary. If consent is lacking, it is considered a crime.
Estonia has signed the Istanbul Convention. This means that sex without consent should be punishable. The new bill will align Estonian laws with the convention.
Also present at the meeting were Minister of Justice Liisa Pakosta and other officials. They presented the bill in more detail.
The committee decided to send the bill to the Riigikogu on December 2nd. After the first reading, all interested parties will be invited for discussion.