European Parliament Adopts First Law to Combat Violence Against Women

Overview of the New Legislation

On Wednesday, the European Parliament passed a groundbreaking law aimed at combating violence against women. The legislation, which received a strong majority vote of 522 in favor and 27 against, introduces criminal penalties for female genital mutilation, forced marriage, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and cyberharassment. This move by the EU aims to harmonize sanctions across the 27 member countries and improve victims' access to justice and health services.

Mixed Reactions to the Legislation

Frances Fitzgerald, MEP and co-rapporteur of the legislation, praised the law as a comprehensive approach to prevent and address violence against women. Evin Incir, another co-rapporteur, hailed it as a victory for justice and equality in the EU. However, Lola Schulmann from Amnesty International labeled the law as both a significant step forward and a missed opportunity, criticizing the exclusion of consent in the definition of rape and the lack of specific protections for particularly vulnerable groups such as undocumented women, sex workers, and lesbian women.

Controversy Over the Definition of Rape

The legislation has been the center of intense debate, particularly concerning the legal definition of rape, which varies by country. Initially, the European Commission proposed a definition based on the absence of consent, supported by several countries and the European Parliament. However, opposition from key member states like France, Germany, and Hungary, who argued that the EU lacks jurisdiction over this matter, led to the exclusion of rape from the legislation.

Political Tensions and Future Actions

During the debates, significant criticism was directed at French President Macron and Hungarian President Orbán for hindering progress on including rape in the legislation. Despite these setbacks, MEPs like Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé are pushing for amendments to reintroduce rape into the discussion, although such efforts face significant opposition. The directive, set for review in five years, leaves some MEPs concerned about the delay in addressing this critical issue.

This legislation marks a significant step in the EU's efforts to combat violence against women, though it also highlights the complexities and political challenges of achieving a unified legal approach across diverse national jurisdictions.