Spain's government committed Tuesday to amend a new sexual consent law that while intended to increase the protection of women has inadvertently allowed hundreds of sex offenders to get their prison sentences significantly reduced.
The law, known as "only yes means yes," made verbal consent, or the lack thereof, the key component in cases of alleged sexual assault. But it also revised the minimum and maximum prison terms for sexual assault convictions, a move which has opened the door to judges shaving months or even years off convictions for rapists and abusers on appeal.
Since the law took effect, over 300 convicted sex offenders have had their sentences shortened and at least 30 who had been near the end of their sentences have been released from prison. Equality Minister Irene Montero, who championed the sexual consent law, said negotiations are ongoing among coalition members to reform it.
Minister and Cabinet spokesperson Isabel Rodriguez referred to technical adjustments but refused to give more details on how to match the interests of both coalition partners.
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