At 2 PM today, the legal and social committees of the Riigikogu will convene a public meeting to hear the perspectives of interest groups on a proposed bill that shifts the understanding of sexual violence to a consent-based framework. Committee chairman Madis Timpson from the Reform Party emphasized the importance of including all stakeholders who have expressed opinions during the drafting of the bill. This engagement highlights the collaborative approach taken in handling such an important issue.

According to Timpson, the proposed legislation stipulates that consent must be obtained for sexual intercourse, categorizing any non-consensual act as a crime. Notably, this includes situations where no physical violence is used against the victim, expanding the legal definition of sexual offenses. The intention behind this legislative change is to enhance the protection of victims of sexual violence and to act preventively against sexual crimes, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes towards consent.

Signe Riisalo, chair of the social committee, noted that the bill aims to align Estonia's criminal code with the Istanbul Convention, which sets international standards for preventing violence against women and domestic violence. This alignment showcases Estonia's commitment to adopting progressive measures in combating sexual violence, positioning it as a responsible actor in the global discourse surrounding women's rights and protection against gender-based violence.