Norway's Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen has announced a groundbreaking proposal for a new consent law, set to be presented on April 10. The law emphasizes that "only yes means yes," requiring clear consent for sexual activity.

This move aims to address the alarming statistic that one in five women in Norway report being raped at least once in their lifetime.

Under the proposed law, sexual activity without explicit consent will be classified as rape, carrying a maximum sentence of six years.

The current law only defines rape as involving violence, threats, or exploitation of someone unable to resist.

Aas-Hansen hopes the new law will prevent sexual violence and reinforce the principle of mutual agreement in intimate relationships.

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions.

While youth and progressive parties celebrate it as a step toward safety and justice, critics warn it could complicate legal proceedings.

The debate now moves to the Norwegian Parliament.