Spain PM apologizes to sexual assault victims after law inadvertently reduces hundreds of convicts’ sentences

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez apologized last October to the victims of a government-sponsored sexual freedom law that was intended to increase protections for women but inadvertently allowed hundreds of convicted sex offenders to have their sentences reduced.

The law, known as the “yes only means yes” law, is set to be reformed this coming week to plug a legal loophole, after months of debate in the country and two left-wing coalitions in government. Tension between the partners – the majority Socialist party and Unidas Podemos, the junior party that sponsored the law.

“None of the legislators, even those who voted against this law, are in favor of reducing the sentence. Therefore, I apologize to the victims and we will find a solution to these unintended effects, because this law The best way to protect.” Sanchez said in an interview with local media on May 28 on the sidelines of a campaign event for the upcoming regional elections in Spain.

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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference at the Spanish Embassy in Beijing on March 31, 2023. Sanchez apologized for a law that allowed convicted sex offenders to reduce their sentences. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

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Courts have reduced the sentences of 978 sex offenders under the Sexual Freedom Act and at least 104 convicts have been given premature release, according to the latest official data.

The law made verbal consent, or the lack thereof, a major factor in cases of alleged sexual assault. However, it also modified the minimum and maximum prison terms for sexual assault convictions, resulting in judges being able to reduce sentences for rapists and abusers, shaving months or years off their sentences.