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EU Parliament Calls for Consent-Based Rape Laws Across Union

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

European Parliament voted 447-160-43 to adopt a resolution urging EU-wide rape laws based on consent.
The resolution defines consent as affirmative, unambiguous and says silence or lack of resistance is not consent.
It calls for an intersectional, victim-centered approach with sexual health care, trauma services, psychological support and safe abortions.
Amnesty International welcomed the vote against rape culture after a CNN expose of a Telegram “rape academy” sharing drug-ging instructions.

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Story summary

European Parliament voted 447-160-43 to adopt a resolution urging EU-wide rape laws based on consent.
The resolution defines consent as affirmative, unambiguous and says silence or lack of resistance is not consent.
It calls for an intersectional, victim-centered approach with sexual health care, trauma services, psychological support and safe abortions.
Amnesty International welcomed the vote against rape culture after a CNN expose of a Telegram “rape academy” sharing drug-ging instructions.