Justice Ministers Meeting Climbed with Sporrer in Vaduz

The German-speaking justice ministers exchanged views on violence protection, protection of fundamental rights, artificial intelligence, and family law during their meeting in Vaduz. Austria's Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) stated after the meeting in a press release that she plans a legislative amendment to implement the "Only Yes Means Yes" principle. "There is no consensual sex without consent. And we want to modernize sexual criminal law in this sense," said Sporrer.

As previously reported, Sporrer wants to anchor the consent principle in Austrian sexual criminal law. "This strengthens victims in criminal proceedings and conveys a clear societal stance," the press release continued on Monday. In Liechtenstein, the Austrian Justice Minister further exchanged views on sexual criminal law and violence protection in bilateral talks. This enables informed decisions to be made to legally strengthen violence protection and sexual self-determination.

"Only Yes Means Yes": A Look Abroad

For example, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greece, and Spain already define rape according to the "Only Yes Means Yes" principle. France's National Assembly also voted last week, on October 23, for the redefinition of rape in terms of this principle.

Combating Violence, Family Law, AI

On the agenda, alongside combating gender-based violence, were the resilience of democratic structures in the face of global crises, the opportunities and risks of using artificial intelligence in justice, and the adaptation of family law.

According to Sporrer, international cooperation is essential, especially regarding artificial intelligence. Laws and standards are needed that keep pace with developments. "At the same time, AI fundamentally changes the way work is done in justice. Therefore, exchange is indispensable to find common answers to complex challenges," said the Austrian Justice Minister.

Several Countries at Justice Ministers' Meeting

In addition to Sporrer, Emanuel Schädler (Liechtenstein), Stefanie Hubig (Germany), Elisabeth Margue (Luxembourg), and Beat Jans (Switzerland) participated in the meeting. The working discussions of the German-speaking justice ministers take place regularly.

(APA/Red)

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