The Union cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to make rape a gender-neutral offence. Now, the word “rape” will be replaced with “sexual assault”.

The cabinet also approved a proposal to make acid attacks a separate offence that would attract a prison term of 10 years and a fine of Rs10 lakh.

The amendment will expand the definition to include male victims of sexual assault. At present, a rape, as defined in the Indian Penal Code (section 375), is committed when a man has sexual intercourse with a woman against her will.

Krishna Tirath, women and child development minister, said the cabinet had okayed the draft proposals. The IPC will have a separate section (326-A) that would cover injury, hurt, burns and disfigurement of any body part of a person (male or female) by acid.

Tirath said the cabinet had decided to change the definition of a “minor”. Currently some sections of the IPC and the Criminal Procedure Code have minors as those below 16. The new uniform age bar for a “minor” will be below 18.(With inputs from agencies)