Romania tightens law on sexual consent

And rape is punishable by imprisonment of between 7 to 12 years, Euractiv writes. And sexual crimes against minors do not only consist of rape. The offence of sexual corruption of a minor now also includes messaging underage children with the intent to engage in sexual acts.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis promulgated the law on Monday, Stirile Kanal D writes. With it, the Criminal Code in Romania will be amended.

The proposal was an initiative of Alina Gorghiu, a Romanian lawyer and politician. “Every day without this law was an escape hatch for sexual aggressors”, she said after the bill was approved. According to Gorghiu, a “safer environment for children will be ensured.”

The tightening of the bill comes after several accused of sexual assault on minors were acquitted due to legislative loopholes. Until now, Romania was one of the few states that had the age of sexual consent set as low as 14 years old.