Czech lower house approves new definition of rape

Czech MPs have voted to change the definition of rape in the country’s statute books. Instead of the hitherto forcible sexual intercourse the crime will in future be defined as non-consensual intercourse. The minister of defence, Pavel Blažek, told the lower house the new understanding of rape was based on the concept of no means no.

The bill found support from both the government parties and the opposition. It must now go before the Senate.

The amendment passed on Wednesday will also redefine sexual interaction with children under 12 as rape or sexual assault, not as sexual abuse as at present.