Gewessler criticizes government's failure to enact 'only yes means yes' sexual consent law

Leonore Gewessler, the leader of Austria's Green Party, has sharply criticized the government for its inaction on reforming sexual offense laws. The government had previously announced its intention to advance the "only yes means yes" consent principle, a reform that has now missed its own deadline.

Gewessler voiced her frustration following a demonstration against violence toward women, stating that "Violence against women – that must be resolutely combated." She highlighted that Justice Minister Anna Sporrer and Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, both from the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), had pledged last year to prioritize the reform and present it in the second quarter of 2026.

However, according to reports, no progress has been made on the legislation. The delay is seen by critics as a significant setback and a failure to adequately address the issue of consent and sexual violence. The Green Party leader's remarks underscore a growing impatience with the government's perceived lack of commitment to enacting crucial legal changes aimed at protecting individuals from sexual offenses.

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Violence against women – that must be resolutely combated