Digital Journal
By Brett Wilkins Sep 30, 2014 in Politics
Sacramento - In a bid to address the epidemic of rape on college campuses, California has become the first state in America to pass a law defining sexual consent and requiring schools to define "affirmative consent" when adjudicating sexual assault cases.
The Associated Press reports Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed SB967, the so-called 'Yes Means Yes' bill, into law over the weekend, a month after state lawmakers approved the measure.
The new law, which was drafted by Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), requires an affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement between all involved individuals to engage in sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent. A person who is drunk, drugged, unconscious or asleep cannot consent to sex.
De Leon believes the new legislation will change how colleges prevent and investigate rape and sexual assault claims.
"Every student deserves a learning environment that is safe and healthy," De Leon said in a statement. "California will not allow schools to sweep rape cases under the rug. We've shifted the conversation regarding sexual assault to one of prevention, justice, and healing."
