The Swiss government has approved reforms of the Penal Code to toughen sanctions for sexual violence and bodily harm, as well as introduce a broader definition of rape. They must now be approved by parliament.
The Bill, which was submitted to parliament on Wednesday, focuses on attacks on sexual integrity, as well as attacks that threaten life and bodily integrity.
Whilst leaving judges with latitude to decide each case, the Bill proposes to raise the minimum prison sentence for rape from one year to two, should Swiss politicians vote the bill through.
In addition, rape will no longer be defined with reference to gender and will include similar acts of sexual violence. At present, Swiss law defines rape as an act by a male against a female.
Aside from rape, any other sexual act against a child under the age of 12 is to carry a minimum sentence of one year in jail.
There are also to be tougher penalties for hooligans. The minimum sentence for causing serious bodily harm is to be doubled to one year in jail, whilst there will also be tougher penalties for group acts of violence against authorities and public officials.
The relevant part of the Swiss Penal Code has been modified more than 70 times in 40 years to take account of evolving social values, technological advances and Switzerland’s obligations under international conventions, explains a government press releaseExternal link. But, it says, there has never been an overall assessment of whether minimum sentences reflect the gravity of the acts committed or are coherent in relation to each other. The current Bill aims to address that gap.
These reforms have been controversial and have been in the pipeline since 2012. They may also be the subject of heated parliamentary debate.
Ecological status of Swiss streams insufficient according to study
This content was published on
Pesticide use and obstructions of waterways have a particularly negative impact on sensitive organisms, completely absent in 70% of streams analysed.
Train line between Brig and Domodossola interrupted
This content was published on
One day after a derailment approximately 15 kilometres from the Swiss border, BLS is running buses for passengers between Preglia and Domodossola, in Italy.
Swiss football boss wants crackdown on individual hooligans
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss Football League says he prefers a harsher approach to individual hooligans rather than collective punishment measures affecting all fans.
Amherd: Council of Europe is ‘as urgently needed as ever’
This content was published on
The Swiss government emphasised on Sunday the vital role of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe, 75 years after it was founded.
Swiss minister: Italy will back Switzerland in EU talks
This content was published on
Bern can count on the backing of Italy as it re-enters talks with the European Union on future relations, Viola Amherd says.
Student protestors at University of Lausanne continue pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
Since Thursday, a hall on campus has been occupied by students calling for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Catholic authorities criticised over paedophile Capuchin friar
This content was published on
An independent commission on Tuesday issued a report into a former Catholic priest, who for decades abused victims in Switzerland and France.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.