Switzerland’s legal definition of rape could be extended to cover both men and women.

The National Council, Switzerland’s parliament, voted 151 to 39, with one abstention, to make this change to the law. The Federal Council is also in favour of the change.

Currently, Switzerland’s criminal code defines rape victims as female. Section 190 of the code states: “Any person who forces a person of the female sex by threats or violence, psychological pressure or by being made incapable of resistance to submit to sexual intercourse is liable to a custodial sentence of from one to ten years.”

Under the current law, homosexuel men cannot be judged victims of rape.

Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, who put forward the motion, said it is time to update Swiss law so that it fits the current context.

Yves Nidegger, who was opposed to the motion, said that he feared the definition of rape would become a hotchpotch notion that would weaken the protection of female victims. According to the newspaper 20 Minutes, he said the consequences are worse for women because of the risk of pregnancy. Fehlmann Rielle reacted strongly to this remark saying that focusing on the issue of pregnancy minimises the rape of those who are not of child bearing age.

The motion will now be considered by the Council of States, Switzerland’s upper house.

More on this:

Parliament press release (in French)

20 Minutes article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now

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