Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Sunday apologized to victims of a government-sponsored sexual freedom law passed last October that aimed to boost protections for women but inadvertently allowed hundreds of convicted sex offenders to see each other reduce the sentence.
The legislation, known as the ‘only yes means yes’ law, is due for reform next week to address the legal loophole, after months of debate in the country and tensions between the two left-wing coalition partners in government – the Socialist Party of majority and Unidas Podemos, the minor party that sponsored the law.
“No legislator, even those who voted against this law, is in favor of reducing sentences. I therefore apologize to the victims and we will find a solution to these unwanted effects, because it is the best way to defend the law itself”. Sánchez said in an interview with local media on the sidelines of an election event for Spain’s upcoming regional election on May 28.
POLICE CAPTAIN SUBMITTED SENT PHOTOS OF PENIS, OFFERED FEMALE DETECTIVES PANT FAVORS: LEGAL CAUSE
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaks during a news conference at the Spanish embassy in Beijing March 31, 2023. Sánchez apologized over a law that allows convicted sex offenders to reduce their sentences. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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According to the latest official figures, the courts reduced the sentences of 978 sex offenders under the Sexual Freedom Act and at least 104 convicted were granted early release.
The law has made verbal consent, or lack thereof, the key factor in cases of alleged sexual assault. However, it also revised the minimum and maximum prison sentences for sexual assault convictions, allowing judges to reduce sentences for rapists and sexual abusers on appeal, reducing months or even years from their sentences.
