Helen McEntee removes significant consent proposals in major reform of rape laws

The bill proposed that those accused of rape would have to convince a jury they took steps to get consent — but that section has now been dropped

Justice Minister Helen McEntee had hailed the provision that 'honest belief' would no longer be a defence in rape cases, but that section of the bill has now been deleted. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has withdrawn significant proposals around consent in the Government’s major reform of existing rape laws.

A provision in the legislation that has already been signed off by Cabinet sought to change the legal test around consent.