Denmark passed a law that amends the definition of rape. Under the new law, sex or intercourse without explicit consent will now be considered rape.
Human rights groups and rape victims consider the new law as a long-awaited victory. Denmark is currently one of the countries that have expanded its legislation to enforce gender equality. The country already criminalizes marital rape.
"Now it becomes clear that if both parties do not agree to sex, then it is rape," Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup said.
The amendment to the legal definition of rape - which already includes acts other than sexual intercourse - will take effect on Jan. 1.
Danish lawmaker and former justice minister, Soren Pape Poulsen, said that the law needed to be amended for it to properly bring justice to victims. Poulsen was previously against the passing of the consent-based law and argued that it would be impractical. He later changed his stance on the issue after listing to a rape victim.
"We must ensure that Danish legislation reflects the fact that sex shall always be voluntary. It is utterly important to bring justice to sexual assault victims," Poulsen said.
According to the country's Justice Ministry, about 11,400 women are victims of rape or attempted rape in Denmark each year. About half of those victims are under 25-years of age.
In 2019, only about 1,600 rapes were reported to authorities. Of those cases, only 314 resulted in convictions.
Apart from passing the new law, the country's Justice Ministry said that it will be setting up a 24/7 hotline for victims. It also plans to update the sex education curriculum in the country's primary and secondary schools.
Women's rights organizations have argued that the justice system is flawed and has so far failed to protect victims. The groups said that many victims are afraid to report attacks given the prevalent gender stereotypes and rape myths. Human rights group Amnesty International said that "rape culture" continues to be pervasive across the world.
