Change in rape defence is ‘starting point’ in reforming sexual offence laws

A protest in Dublin sparked by a rape trial. Academics have welcomed a change to how people accused of rape use the consent defence in law (PA)

A major change to how people accused of rape use the consent defence in law is the “starting point” in reforming Ireland’s laws on sex offences, academics have said.

The Government is to change legislation that will overhaul laws on consent, knowledge and belief in rape cases.