What should be the scope of the right to consent? This is a question on which there have been long debates in courts around the world. But does its scope also reach the personal moments of two people? The answer to this question was found in the new law made in the Australian state of Queensland, about which there is a lot of discussion on social media.
Actually, this was a case of ‘stealthing’. ‘Stealthing’ means secretly removing or tampering with a condom during sex without someone’s consent. By doing this there is a risk of the partner getting infected with some disease or becoming pregnant. Besides, it also violates the dignity of the victim. It has been included in the crime category in the Australian state of Queensland.
Under the new law, ‘stealthing’ has been categorized as rape, meaning it will now be considered an equally serious crime in this state. This decision has once again started talking about ‘Stealthing’ across the world. Let us know about those aspects of ‘Stealthing’ which put them in the queue of crime.
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What does the law say? These countries adopted different legal methods to deal with stealthing
One of the most high-profile cases involving stealthing was that of Julian Assange, where he was accused of removing a condom without consent while having sex with two women during a trip to Sweden in 2010.
This law is also there in the American state of California. It does not directly declare stealthing as a crime. Instead, it gives the victim the right to file a lawsuit for damages, thereby applying the normal penalty.
A similar case had come to light in Germany also. Where a police officer was convicted of sexual assault for removing his partner’s condom without her consent. He was sentenced to eight months in jail and ordered to pay a fine to the victim.
New Zealand took a tough stance on this issue. In one case, a case of rape was filed for stealthing. He was given a jail sentence of three years and nine months.
Stealthing law in India?
There is no specific law against stealthing in India, but according to the sections of the law, it can be classified as rape. Various women’s rights groups are raising awareness and demanding legal remedies against this practice.
