Spain led on the principle of consent-based rape legislation in 2022.
92% confidence
EqualitySpain
Omissions
The law (Ley Orgánica 10/2022) was specifically passed in August 2022 and came into effect on October 7, 2022.
Spain was already considered a pioneer in gender-based violence legislation after approving Europe's first comprehensive law on violence against women in 2004.
Sources
SecondaryThe GuardianSpain passed the 'only yes means yes' sexual consent law in August 2022. The new law removes the distinction between sexual abuse and sexual aggression (rape) by making explicit that consent is the deciding factor.
SecondaryLe MondeSpain passed toughened 'Only yes means yes' rape law in August 2022. Spain is considered a pioneer in the fight against violence against women.
SecondaryIPPF European NetworkSpain's 'yes means yes' consent law, which came into effect in October 2022, was sparked by the acquittal of five men who raped an 18-year-old woman at the 2016 Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona.