Italy To Double Prison Sentences For Rape

Parliament’s lower house, pressured by constituents after a rash of reported sex assaults this summer, approved a bill Thursday that doubles prison sentences for rape.

Penalties were toughened from five to 10 years in the reform passed by the Chamber of Deputies. But just as important, the legal definition of rape was changed from a moral offense to a crime against the person.

Once the bill receives expected Senate approval, Italy will treat rape in its courts like it would murder, robbery, kidnapping or other violence.

The new law also requires rape suspects to be tested for HIV and provides lawyers for victims free of charge.