German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has presented a draft bill aimed at strengthening criminal law on sexual offences and improving protection for women. The proposal includes changes to penalties, limitation periods and the definition of sexual harassment.
Under the draft, sexual harassment through a sexually suggestive statement or gesture could become a separate criminal offence when it is capable of intimidating or pressuring another person. Such conduct could carry a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine.
The proposal would also increase minimum sentences for sexual offences committed jointly by several people. Group rape and jointly committed sexual assaults would be punishable by at least five years in prison. The minimum sentence for a jointly committed sexual assault or sexual coercion would rise from two to three years. A minimum sentence of five years would also apply when a rape results in a pregnancy.
The draft further proposes a uniform 20-year limitation period for rape and jointly committed sexual assaults. Under current law, the period can be as short as five years depending on the circumstances. The ministry said the longer period would also address cases in which victims are drugged with chemical substances and report the offence much later, for example after video material emerges.
Hubig said rape should remain prosecutable and punishable many years after it occurs. She described sexual harassment and sexualised violence as a serious problem that affects too many women in everyday life, whether at home, online or in public spaces.
The draft has been sent to Germany’s federal states and associations for comment. They can submit their views by November 30, after which the federal cabinet will consider the proposal.
Sources: Tagesschau.