Politics · Germany · 3 hrs ago
German draft law raises minimum sentences for group rape
Germany’s Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has drafted tougher sexual-offence laws covering rape and verbal sexual harassment.
The draft would make sexually explicit comments or gestures a crime if they are suited to intimidate or pressure someone, punishable by up to a year in prison or a fine.
Group rape would carry a minimum five-year sentence, while other sexual assaults committed jointly would have a minimum sentence of three years, up from two.
A minimum five-year sentence would also apply if an offender causes a pregnancy.
The time limit for prosecuting rape would be 20 years, compared with five years in some cases under current law.
Hubig says longer time limits are needed because some victims learn about assaults years later, including cases in which they were allegedly drugged.
The draft is due to go to Germany’s states and organisations for comment, after which the proposal can proceed through the legislative process.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has presented a draft law that would increase minimum sentences for group rape.
The draft would set a minimum five-year prison sentence for group rape and other sexual assaults committed jointly.
It would also make certain sexually explicit verbal remarks or gestures criminal offences.
The proposal would extend the limitation period for rape and jointly committed sexual assaults to 20 years.
Hubig is due to send the draft to Germany’s states and organizations for comment.
- Who
- German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig is proposing the draft law.
- What
- It would raise minimum sentences for group rape and other jointly committed sexual assaults, extend limitation periods and criminalize certain sexual harassment by words or gestures.
- When
- The draft was reported on November 2, 2026; Hubig was due to send it out for comment that Monday.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- Hubig said the changes would address sexual violence and ensure rape can still be prosecuted when it comes to light years later.
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- Group rape
- Proposed minimum sentence: five years in prison
- Joint sexual assault or coercion
- Proposed minimum sentence: three years, up from two
- Limitation period
- Proposed 20 years for rape and jointly committed sexual assaults
- Verbal sexual harassment
- Proposed penalty: up to one year in prison or a fine
What people are saying
Es darf nicht sein, dass solche schweren Verbrechen ungesühnt bleiben, nur weil die Betroffene erst Jahre später erfährt, was ihr angetan wurde.
Die sexuelle Selbstbestimmung ist nicht verhandelbar.