Norway - June 2025

On 20 June, Parliament approved changes to the criminal code (Chapter 26 on sexual offenses) to explicitly criminalize sex without consent. Under the amendments, sex without consent, given either in words or actions, becomes a criminal offense, punishable by up to six years in prison. Additionally, cases where a person engages in sexual intercourse despite the other party expressing a refusal carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Previously, penalties for rape were limited to cases involving violence, threatening behaviour, or situations where the victim is unable to resist. The amendments also strengthen protections against the sexual exploitation of minors. The legislation enters into force on 1 July.

Sources: Stortinget, NRK, The Local, Regjeringen, Lovdata, Ja Til Samtykkelov