Switzerland revises its legal definition of rape deemed too archaic

The Swiss Parliament, in Bern, in August 2022. AFP - FABRICE COFFRINI

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1 min

The issue of consent and sexual violence before the Swiss Parliament.

The deputies agreed, Monday, December 5, to modify the definition of rape, considered archaic by feminist and human rights associations.

Gone is the notion of constraint.

From now on, it is the clearly expressed consent that will prevail.

But the subject divides Swiss elected officials.

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With our correspondent in Geneva,

Until now, a rape in Switzerland could only concern a woman whom a man would have penetrated by force.

And even.

Only vaginal penetration was allowed.

The victim must also have demonstrated some form of resistance.

A very restrictive scenario that does not take into account the diversity of situations explained by the victims.

Less than one in ten files a complaint in Switzerland.

From now on, any sexual act will have to be based on the explicit agreement of his or her partner.

The women's body is not a self-service store, explained a socialist parliamentarian in favor of the revision of the law.

But this revision almost did not take place, the right and the government believing that in terms of sexuality, it is easier to prove the refusal than an agreement.

The text must now be validated by the equivalent of the Senate.

But as often in Switzerland, it is the people who risk having the last word.

Probably during a vote next year.

►Read also: Sexual violence in sport: in France, the figures are edifying

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