The Social Democratic faction has supported Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig’s proposal to extend the statute of limitations for rape cases. Günter Krings, deputy faction leader, told the “Rheinische Post” that victims often require years, sometimes even decades, before they are able to come forward and file a police report. He emphasized that this delay is not a sign of weakness but a psychological reality associated with sexual trauma, arguing that a longer deadline provides the necessary time for survivors to make that decision.
However, the CDU politician criticized the proposed tightening of sexual criminal law, such as the introduction of an “only yes means yes” rule. He stressed that sexual violence is a serious crime that demands rigorous prosecution and harsh punishment. According to the CDU representative, adopting the “Nur-Ja-heißt-Ja” rule, as recently suggested by Minister Hubig, would not solve existing difficulties in criminal investigations.
The politician argued that the focus on the principle of consent creates false hope among victims regarding a better prosecution, an expectation that often goes unfulfilled by police investigations. He stated that sexual abuse typically occurs without witnesses. Structurally, the evidentiary situation remains unchanged whether prosecutors and courts must prove that the victim resisted or gave some sign of rejection, or whether the perpetrator must demonstrably prove explicit consent.
