SPÖ for Tightening of Sexual Criminal Law

"I think that Austria should definitely keep up with the times," said Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) on Friday in the Ö1 "Midday Journal". The ministry stated to APA that they are open to addressing the issue on a national level but are also advocating for a European solution.

"Yes Means Yes": SPÖ Wants to Evaluate Sexual Criminal Law

The topic will be discussed, for example, in the context of the National Action Plan against Violence against Women, which is to be presented at the end of the year. Additionally, according to the government program, the sexual criminal law is to be evaluated to close gaps and tighten it. On a European level, Holzleitner wants to learn from the experiences of other countries that have already established such a "Yes means Yes" principle. Every victim of sexual violence in the EU must be assured that the law is on their side, emphasized the minister.

Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) stated that efforts must be made to improve the conviction statistics: "There is a certain discrepancy from the report of sexual violence to the conviction." This would also give victims of date rape drugs an option to act, the Greens agreed. Women's spokesperson Meri Disoski recalled the case of the Frenchwoman Gisèle Pelicot, who was drugged without her knowledge by her husband for years and raped by men. "If 'Yes means Yes' were to apply, a legal option would have been created for women to defend themselves in such cases," said Disoski.

According to Ö1, the governing parties agree that there is a need for action. However, the NEOS would not see a change in the law as a panacea; the ÖVP would not oppose it, provided it makes sense.

(APA/Red)

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