The Autonomous Women's Center invited all citizens to join in sending comments and suggestions to the Ministry of Justice on the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code introducing the milder crime of Sexual intercourse without consent. The Ministry of Justice is requested to withdraw that proposal, as well as to alter the definition of the basic form of the criminal act of rape so that it should include any involuntary sexual relationship, including cases in which there was no physical resistance of the victim.

In the letter that citizens should send to the address of the Ministry of Justice, it is stated:

Knowing that:

– women who resist rape are more seriously injured or even killed
– large numbers of girls and boys, young women and women freeze with fear during rape
– rapes are carried out with the use of rape drugs or threats to publish a video of intimate content

I don't see any reason why the Ministry of Justice considers that forcing unwanted sexual intercourse, in which the victims did not resist (for all the above reasons), is a less serious crime that does not deserve to be called rape.

I suggest that the Ministry of Justice withdraw the proposal that a new criminal offense of sexual intercourse without consent be introduced.

I propose that the definition of the basic form of the criminal offense of rape be amended to be in accordance with Article 36 of the Istanbul Convention, and that the basic form of this criminal offense should include the sanctioning of any involuntary sexual act, including cases in which there was no physical resistance of the victim.

A concrete explanation is attached.

Anyone who agrees with the proposal should submit the form with their data entered no later than October 1, 2025, to the email address konsultacije@mpravde.gov.rs. In the subject line of the email, state "For public discussion - Criminal Code".

You can see the explanation form HERE.