Norwegian lawmakers took a significant step on Friday towards strengthening protections for victims of sexual violence by adopting a bill that redefines rape based on the absence of consent, rather than on the use of violence or threats. The proposed amendment shifts the legal standard from force-based to consent-based, aligning Norway with other progressive European nations such as Sweden, Denmark, Greece, and Spain.
The bill, which passed its first parliamentary vote with majority support, is inspired by Sweden’s “only yes means yes” legislation, enacted in 2018. Once the amendment undergoes a second vote and is formally adopted, it will be integrated into Norway’s existing criminal code. Under the revised law, engaging in sexual activity without clear, voluntary consent expressed either verbally or through unmistakable gestures will be classified as rape, carrying a maximum penalty of six years in prison.
Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen, who introduced the legislation in April, emphasized the need to modernize Norway’s outdated definition of rape. “Currently, the law considers it rape only if there has been violence, threats or if someone has taken advantage of the vulnerability of a person unable to resist,” Aas-Hansen explained. “But there may be other reasons why a person cannot, or fails to, refuse a sexual advance.”
The new definition takes into account situations where victims may remain passive during the assault due to fear, shock, intoxication, or being physically paralyzed. These scenarios, often overlooked under the current legal framework, would now be considered indicators of non-consent.
Women’s rights advocates and legal reform groups in Norway have welcomed the proposed change as a landmark moment for survivor justice and bodily autonomy. They argue that the legislation not only strengthens legal protections but also promotes a broader cultural understanding of sexual boundaries and respect.
If enacted in full, the amendment will mark a major victory for Norway’s feminist movements and human rights organizations, and place the country at the forefront of legal reforms aimed at tackling sexual violence based on consent, not coercion.
