The European Parliament on Thursday approved a resolution urging the European Commission to draft an EU-wide law defining consent in sexual offenses. The vote was 447 in favor, 160 against, and 43 abstentions, according to official results. The resolution noted that varying national laws across the bloc create legal loopholes, and it called on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal.
A previous attempt to pass a consent directive in 2024 was blocked by France, Germany, and Hungary, multiple media outlets reported. Those countries argued that criminal law is a matter for national governments, according to the reports. The failure was criticized by human rights groups, who said a uniform standard was needed to protect victims across borders.
Only yes is yes.
The political landscape changed after the Pelicot scandal in France, where Dominique Pelicot was convicted of drugging his wife Gisèle and orchestrating her assault by dozens of men over nearly a decade, according to French media. The case, which caused widespread protests, led French lawmakers to introduce a bill requiring explicit consent, multiple media outlets reported. Major news organizations said the scandal also prompted France to abandon its previous opposition to the EU-wide consent law, with EU diplomats noting that this removed a major obstacle because France had been one of the staunchest opponents.
Swedish MEP Evin Incir, who helped spearhead the initiative, explained that the proposed EU law would criminalize sexual acts performed without explicit consent, reflecting the "only yes means yes" standard. She elaborated that the law would make clear that consent cannot be inferred from silence or passivity, according to her remarks. Incir also said the legislation would shift the burden of proof, requiring the accused to demonstrate that consent was given. She and Polish MEP Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus have been at the forefront of the campaign, multiple outlets reported. At a press conference, Incir expressed pride in the vote but stressed that she will not be satisfied until a binding law is in place, and she urged the Commission to submit a proposal without delay.
Now the Commission must deliver a proposal.
It remains unclear when the Commission will present its proposal, and any future law will require approval from both the Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Very proud, but not yet satisfied, until we see a consent law on the table.