Parliament debated consent bill in second reading

The Estonian Parliament passed the second reading of a bill amending the Penal Code on Wednesday, popularly known as the consent bill. The bill aims to strengthen protection against sexual offences.

The Estonian Parliament debated the so-called consent bill on Wednesday, which amends the Penal Code and whose primary goal is to ensure more effective protection against sexual offences. The bill successfully passed its second reading in the Estonian parliament.

The bill, known as the consent bill, represents one of the most significant changes to the law governing sexual offences, as it establishes consent as a central criterion for sexual acts. The amendment should provide people with significantly stronger legal protection than before and bring Estonian law closer to modern international standards.

After the second reading, the bill's proceedings in parliament can continue with a third reading and final vote, which will decide the fate of the legislation.