**Austria’s Governing Parties Signal Support for Reform of Sexual Criminal Law**
*Vienna –* The Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the liberal NEOS party, which together form the current governing coalition, have publicly expressed backing for a revision of the nation’s sexual criminal legislation. The statements were made by Family Minister Claudia Bauer of the ÖVP, who indicated that the coalition would welcome “tougher rules that place greater responsibility on perpetrators and reduce the stigma often faced by victims.”
The endorsement adds pressure on the coalition to advance reforms that have been promised in previous government programmes. While specific details of the proposed changes have not been disclosed, the ministers’ comments suggest a focus on strengthening accountability for offenders and improving support for victims of sexual crimes.
The announcement was reported by the online news outlet Voice of Vienna. No legislative timetable or concrete policy measures were provided at this stage.
Article source: voiceofvienna.org | Image credit: Reuters
