Sweden has passed a new law stipulating that sex without consent is rape, even when there are no threats or force involved.

The new law means people must consent to sex with clear verbal or physical language - and silence will no longer be interpreted as 'yes'.

It'll come into effect on July 1 after Swedish lawmakers approved the change by 257 votes to 38.

Sweden's new law means people must consent to sex with clear verbal or physical language (file photo)

It means prosecutors will no longer need to prove that the victim was in a vulnerable situation, or that violence was used, in order to establish rape.

Under the previous legislation, prosecutors had to prove the victim had been exploited, such as under the influence of alcohol, or that the perpetrator had used force.

The law introduces two new offences, negligent rape and negligent sexual abuse, and they'll be punishable by up top four years in prison.

According to the new law, individuals won't have to make an expressed consent but they'll have to make it physically clear.

It states: 'If a person wants to engage in sexual activities with someone who remains inactive or gives ambiguous signals, he or she will therefore have to find out if the other person is willing.'

In December, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said when presenting proposals to change the law in line with other countries in Europe that if sex is not voluntary 'it's illegal.'

Sweden becomes the seventh country in Europe where sex without consent is considered rape

His deputy Minister Isabella Lovin said the recent #metoo anti-harassment campaign has shown the 'need' for new legislation.

Critics say the changes won't lead to more convictions.

Activists have welcomed the changes but critics say the law will not increase the number of rape convictions.

Sweden becomes the seventh country in Europe where sex without consent is considered rape.

The UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Cyprus have all passed the law already.