Finnish Minister Meri unwilling to amend new rape law despite practical challenges

Finnish Minister of Justice Leena Meri (Finns Party) is currently unwilling to make changes to the rape law that has been in effect for a year and a half. She prefers to observe the law’s application in practice for a longer period before considering any amendments.

Reports from Yle indicate that police and prosecutors have struggled with the new legislation since its implementation. Previously, a person was guilty of rape only if they forced someone into sexual intercourse using violence or threats; under the new law, rape also occurs if one party does not give consent. However, establishing consent retrospectively during legal proceedings proves to be extremely challenging.

“It is quite problematic. In most cases, only the parties involved are present,” noted investigation leader Jutta Antikainen in a recently published Yle article. Special prosecutor Nina Huttunen echoed these sentiments, stating that the requirement for consent to be expressed through words or actions can be unclear in many situations, deeming the new law not very effective.

The rape law was enacted based on a citizens’ initiative during a previous administration, with Meri as the chair of the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee at the time. While several experts who testified before the committee supported the change, they also warned that it would exacerbate evidence issues in rape investigations.

Meri acknowledges her current lack of detailed information on the practical challenges authorities may face due to the new law and the extent of its application. The Ministry of Justice plans to monitor the law’s effectiveness and provide a report within five years of its enactment.