MADRID, July 6 (Reuters) - The Spanish government approved a law on Tuesday to define all non-consensual sex as rape, part of a legislative overhaul that toughens penalties for sexual harassment and mandates more support systems for victims.
It approved the bill five years after what became known as the 'wolf-pack' case, in which five men gang-raped an 18-year old woman at Pamplona's bull-running festival, causing public outrage and prompting calls to reform laws on sexual violence.
The draft still requires parliamentary approval, which is expected by the end of the year.
Under existing legislation, a perpetrator must have used physical violence or intimidation for an assault to be classified as rape.
In parallel, the measures call for the creation of a 24-hour sexual assault helpline and specialised children's homes for underage victims.
Spain has long sought to position itself at the forefront of sexual politics and counter prevailing macho attitudes.
It legalised gay marriage in 2007 and introduced a pioneering gender violence law in 2004. »
![image for Foggy day on the Appalachian Trail near Gatlinburg, TN [3024 x 4032] [OC]](836b758e-50aa-568a-92b1-1ff416ebce21_thumb.jpg)
