Sexual relations without consent will be considered rape as Japan enacts new law

Japan has enacted a law changing the definition of rape and also increasing the age of consent for the girls.

The new definition of rape now includes sexual relations without consent of the women. Similarly the age of consent for the girls has been increased from the existing 13 to 16 year.

The new law was adopted by the upper house of Japanese parliament on Friday. The new law lays down eight conditions when sexual relations will be considered as rape if the consent has been obtained through coercion or the victim has been administered some sedative.

Interestingly the age of consent for sexual relations has been changed after 116 years. In 1907, a law was passed keeping the age of consent 13.

Some other changes have also been made in the existing laws governing the rape. Now the victim could lodge a complaint of rape even 15 years after the incident.

According to the reports the changes in the law had been made keeping in view the rising cases of rapes in Japan and the observation that many accused were acquitted by the courts owing to weaker laws.

A campaign was launched in Japan demanding changes in the existing rape laws.