The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a controversial new family law regulation governing marriages, divorce and child marriage, with one of the most debatable articles of the decree recognising the silence of a “virgin girl” as consent to marriage. However, the silence of a boy or a married woman cannot be taken to mean consent.&nbsp;The law has drawn widespread criticism from international observers. The 31-article regulation, titled “Principles of Separation Between Spouses,” was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette in mid-May, reported Afghan media outlet Amu TV.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-clock-is-ticking-for-iran-there-won-t-be-anything-left-of-them-says-trump-in-new-warning-1779038047114">‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning</a>&nbsp;The document outlines rules governing child marriage, missing husbands, forced separation, apostasy, accusations of adultery and other religious and legal matters.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-israel-trying-to-pit-muslim-nations-against-one-another-says-president-masoud-pezeshkian-1779035524085">US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian</a>&nbsp;The decree also addresses “khiyar al-bulugh” or the “option upon puberty”, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence under which a child married at a young age may seek annulment after reaching puberty. However, annulment requires the consent of the religious courts.&nbsp;According to Article 5 of the regulation, if relatives other than a child’s father or grandfather arrange the marriage of a minor, the marriage can still be considered legally valid if the spouse is deemed socially compatible and the dowry appropriate. The child may later seek annulment, but only through a Taliban court order.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-lashkar-terrorist-infiltrates-to-set-up-sleeper-cells-gets-hair-transplant-done-in-srinagar-1779029058588">Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar</a>&nbsp;Another provision says marriages involving a “non-compatible” spouse or an unfair dowry would not be considered valid. The regulation gives fathers and grandfathers broad authority over child marriages, although it says such marriages could be invalidated if guardians are found to be abusive, mentally unfit or morally corrupt.&nbsp;&nbsp;The document also authorises Taliban judges to intervene in disputes involving accusations of adultery, religious conversion, prolonged absence of husbands and “zihar”, a classical Islamic concept in which a husband compares his wife to a female relative with whom marriage would be forbidden.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;Under those provisions, judges may order separation, imprisonment or punishment in certain cases. The latest decree comes amid growing international criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021. Girls in Afghanistan cannot study beyond the sixth grade, women are banned from universities, and severe restrictions have been imposed on employment, travel and public participation.&nbsp;International organisations describe the Taliban’s policies as a system of “gender apartheid”.

One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent. 

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a controversial new family law regulation governing marriages, divorce and child marriage, with one of the most debatable articles of the decree recognising the silence of a “virgin girl” as consent to marriage. However, the silence of a boy or a married woman cannot be taken to mean consent. The law has drawn widespread criticism from international observers. The 31-article regulation, titled “Principles of Separation Between Spouses,” was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette in mid-May, reported Afghan media outlet Amu TV. Also Read: ‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning The document outlines rules governing child marriage, missing husbands, forced separation, apostasy, accusations of adultery and other religious and legal matters. One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent. Also Read: US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian The decree also addresses “khiyar al-bulugh” or the “option upon puberty”, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence under which a child married at a young age may seek annulment after reaching puberty. However, annulment requires the consent of the religious courts. According to Article 5 of the regulation, if relatives other than a child’s father or grandfather arrange the marriage of a minor, the marriage can still be considered legally valid if the spouse is deemed socially compatible and the dowry appropriate. The child may later seek annulment, but only through a Taliban court order. Also Read: Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar Another provision says marriages involving a “non-compatible” spouse or an unfair dowry would not be considered valid. The regulation gives fathers and grandfathers broad authority over child marriages, although it says such marriages could be invalidated if guardians are found to be abusive, mentally unfit or morally corrupt. The document also authorises Taliban judges to intervene in disputes involving accusations of adultery, religious conversion, prolonged absence of husbands and “zihar”, a classical Islamic concept in which a husband compares his wife to a female relative with whom marriage would be forbidden. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel Under those provisions, judges may order separation, imprisonment or punishment in certain cases. The latest decree comes amid growing international criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021. Girls in Afghanistan cannot study beyond the sixth grade, women are banned from universities, and severe restrictions have been imposed on employment, travel and public participation. International organisations describe the Taliban’s policies as a system of “gender apartheid”.

One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent.&nbsp;

‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage

India’s legal discourse has a new conundrum. Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaising has appealed to the top court&nbsp;to consider lowering the age of consent from 18 to 16. The age of consent is the age at which people are considered legally capable of agreeing to sexual intercourse.&nbsp;Jaising has filed a written submission challenging the blanket criminalisation of sexual activity among adolescents aged 16 to 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;She has argued that “there is no rational reason or empirical data to justify the increase in the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, when the age was 16 for 70 years.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Union of India has opposed it, saying “the statutory age of consent fixed at 18 years must… be strictly and uniformly enforced. Any departure from this standard, even in the name of reform or adolescent autonomy, would amount to rolling back decades of progress in child protection law.”&nbsp;&nbsp;A Brief History&nbsp;&nbsp;The age of consent in India stood at 10 for females and no specified age for men in 1860.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1891, it was raised to 12 after Phulmoni,&nbsp; an 11-year-old girl, died due to a rupture of her vagina after her husband forced sex on her, but the accused was only sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following that, the age of consent was increased to 14 in 1925 and 16 in 1940.&nbsp;In 2012, following the horrific Delhi Nirbhaya rape case, the age of consent was raised to 18 for both males and females under the POCSO or Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;International Comparision&nbsp;Countries across the world have lowered or maintained their age of consent to 16 or lower.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the US, federal law maintains the age of consent as 18, but in several states, the age of consent differs.&nbsp;In Australia, the age of consent varies from 16 to 17 years depending on the state or territory.&nbsp;&nbsp;Japan had the age of consent as 13 till 2023, while the age of majority is 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;South Africa, too, has the age of consent as 16 while the age of majority is 18.&nbsp;Inter-caste, inter-faith teenage love&nbsp;&nbsp;In many cases across the country, parents of interfaith and inter-caste teenage couples have filed rape cases against one of the partners, even though the relationships were consensual.&nbsp;Jaising noted in her submission to the SC that there has been a 180% rise in prosecutions under POCSO involving minors aged 16–18 between 2017 and 2021, highlighting an alarming trend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens' view&nbsp;On being asked about sexual activity among those below 18, Naman Verma, a 28-year-old, said that “it is definitely common, consensually and comfortably practised amongst people under 18. I have learned about instances of sexual activities from people when they were under 18. So, it does happen, even if it is illegal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Verma added that “ I think the 'age of consent' in this context does not define the autonomy of a teenager, but also depicts an opinion of the nation; the system. If I, as ruler, have to decide such a thing, I will keep in mind the trends amongst the people engaging in this activity. For instance, 'sex education'. If I am allowing teens to officially engage in sexual activity by their own will, I need to ensure that they are educated and aware of the risks and precautions required to take.&nbsp;Shubham Ranjan, a 27-year-old designer, said that “lowering the age might help in genuine cases of consensual teenage love. Many boys, especially from minority or lower castes, are wrongfully punished due to family disapproval. A lower consent age could prevent misuse of strict laws like POCSO, but it needs careful safeguards.”&nbsp;Richa Kapoor, an Advocate on Record for the Supreme Court and a former public prosecutor at the Delhi High Court, says that “with advancement in technology, modernization in education and access to knowledge, 16-year-old teens today are more capable of making mature, educated decisions about their own bodies and relationships.”&nbsp;Advocate Kapoor elaborated on the protection of children from rape, stating that abuse against adolescents can still be prevented, as "without consent" would still be considered rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advocate Kunal Anand, a designated Partner at Mark Legal LLP, recommends a “close-in-age” in the law. This exception will create an exception for couples who are close to the age of consent and thus prevent false cases.&nbsp;Anand says that by introducing this exception, “the law would still punish exploitation and coercion but stop unfairly criminalizing teenagers who are in consensual relationships. This change would balance child protection with the rights to privacy, dignity, and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, while also ensuring that POCSO focuses on genuine cases of abuse..”&nbsp;&nbsp;An alternative to lowering the age of consent is the application of the 'judicial discretion’, which basically means that each case will be considered by the judge and the discretion of the judge would apply to differentiate between genuine cases of ‘teenage love’ and exploitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;But Anand says that this approach also has its limitations. “It leaves adolescents vulnerable to lengthy criminal trials before relief is granted, as discretion comes only at the stage of judicial decision-making,” he explains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Need for sex education&nbsp;&nbsp;India severely lacks sex education among adolescents. The people WION talked to agreed that there is a need for widespread sex education before the age of consent is lowered to allow young adults to make informed choices about their bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If teenagers are themselves aware and sensible about their sexual health and rights, they would be in a better position to understand consent and also protect themselves from exploitation,” said Namam Verma.&nbsp;&nbsp;While lowering the age of consent might be the way forward to ensure sexual autonomy for young adults, providing them with information about consent, safe sexual practices and hygiene is a prerequisite.&nbsp;

The Indian Supreme Court is considering lowering the age of consent in the country from 18 to 16, drawing divisive reactions. WION’s Akul Baiju talks to experts and citizens on whether India should take this significant step. 

India’s legal discourse has a new conundrum. Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaising has appealed to the top court to consider lowering the age of consent from 18 to 16. The age of consent is the age at which people are considered legally capable of agreeing to sexual intercourse. Jaising has filed a written submission challenging the blanket criminalisation of sexual activity among adolescents aged 16 to 18. She has argued that “there is no rational reason or empirical data to justify the increase in the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, when the age was 16 for 70 years.” Meanwhile, the Union of India has opposed it, saying “the statutory age of consent fixed at 18 years must… be strictly and uniformly enforced. Any departure from this standard, even in the name of reform or adolescent autonomy, would amount to rolling back decades of progress in child protection law.” A Brief History The age of consent in India stood at 10 for females and no specified age for men in 1860. In 1891, it was raised to 12 after Phulmoni, an 11-year-old girl, died due to a rupture of her vagina after her husband forced sex on her, but the accused was only sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment. Following that, the age of consent was increased to 14 in 1925 and 16 in 1940. In 2012, following the horrific Delhi Nirbhaya rape case, the age of consent was raised to 18 for both males and females under the POCSO or Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act. International Comparision Countries across the world have lowered or maintained their age of consent to 16 or lower. In the US, federal law maintains the age of consent as 18, but in several states, the age of consent differs. In Australia, the age of consent varies from 16 to 17 years depending on the state or territory. Japan had the age of consent as 13 till 2023, while the age of majority is 20 years. South Africa, too, has the age of consent as 16 while the age of majority is 18. Inter-caste, inter-faith teenage love In many cases across the country, parents of interfaith and inter-caste teenage couples have filed rape cases against one of the partners, even though the relationships were consensual. Jaising noted in her submission to the SC that there has been a 180% rise in prosecutions under POCSO involving minors aged 16–18 between 2017 and 2021, highlighting an alarming trend. Citizens' view On being asked about sexual activity among those below 18, Naman Verma, a 28-year-old, said that “it is definitely common, consensually and comfortably practised amongst people under 18. I have learned about instances of sexual activities from people when they were under 18. So, it does happen, even if it is illegal.” Verma added that “ I think the 'age of consent' in this context does not define the autonomy of a teenager, but also depicts an opinion of the nation; the system. If I, as ruler, have to decide such a thing, I will keep in mind the trends amongst the people engaging in this activity. For instance, 'sex education'. If I am allowing teens to officially engage in sexual activity by their own will, I need to ensure that they are educated and aware of the risks and precautions required to take. Shubham Ranjan, a 27-year-old designer, said that “lowering the age might help in genuine cases of consensual teenage love. Many boys, especially from minority or lower castes, are wrongfully punished due to family disapproval. A lower consent age could prevent misuse of strict laws like POCSO, but it needs careful safeguards.” Richa Kapoor, an Advocate on Record for the Supreme Court and a former public prosecutor at the Delhi High Court, says that “with advancement in technology, modernization in education and access to knowledge, 16-year-old teens today are more capable of making mature, educated decisions about their own bodies and relationships.” Advocate Kapoor elaborated on the protection of children from rape, stating that abuse against adolescents can still be prevented, as "without consent" would still be considered rape. Advocate Kunal Anand, a designated Partner at Mark Legal LLP, recommends a “close-in-age” in the law. This exception will create an exception for couples who are close to the age of consent and thus prevent false cases. Anand says that by introducing this exception, “the law would still punish exploitation and coercion but stop unfairly criminalizing teenagers who are in consensual relationships. This change would balance child protection with the rights to privacy, dignity, and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, while also ensuring that POCSO focuses on genuine cases of abuse..” An alternative to lowering the age of consent is the application of the 'judicial discretion’, which basically means that each case will be considered by the judge and the discretion of the judge would apply to differentiate between genuine cases of ‘teenage love’ and exploitation. But Anand says that this approach also has its limitations. “It leaves adolescents vulnerable to lengthy criminal trials before relief is granted, as discretion comes only at the stage of judicial decision-making,” he explains. Need for sex education India severely lacks sex education among adolescents. The people WION talked to agreed that there is a need for widespread sex education before the age of consent is lowered to allow young adults to make informed choices about their bodies. “If teenagers are themselves aware and sensible about their sexual health and rights, they would be in a better position to understand consent and also protect themselves from exploitation,” said Namam Verma. While lowering the age of consent might be the way forward to ensure sexual autonomy for young adults, providing them with information about consent, safe sexual practices and hygiene is a prerequisite.

The Indian Supreme Court is considering lowering the age of consent in the country from 18 to 16, drawing divisive reactions. WION’s Akul Baiju talks to experts and citizens on whether India should take this significant step.&nbsp;

India debates lowering age of consent from 18 to 16. Experts weigh in

To teach “boys and men” about something simple like consent, two doctors took to Instagram and shared a simple video about consent and how it works. The video has been receiving a lot of appreciation from people, especially women.&nbsp;

The two doctors tried to educate people on consent over a cup of tea with four cases in which consent can be understood. The video was captioned,"&nbsp;Explain like I’m 5 years old: What is consent? Seems obvious? You’d be surprised. To men who truly want to help create change, it’s time you stop telling the world it’s #notallmen, and ask yourself why there are #notenoughmen."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-top-rg-kar-hospital-officials-including-new-principal-sacked-amid-ongoing-protests-752070">Kolkata rape-murder: Top RG Kar hospital officials, including new principal, sacked amid ongoing protests</a>

The video starts with an address to all “boys and men”, in which one doctor tries to offer tea to another doctor under four circumstances.

Watch the full video here.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-wlklwvRKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-wlklwvRKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-wlklwvRKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-wlklwvRKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dr. Agni Kumar Bose (@doctor.agni)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In Case Number 1, the doctor said ‘Yes’ to the tea, which is a clear indication that he gave his consent for the tea offered to him. In Case Number 2, the doctor said no, to which the first person replied but yesterday you said yes to the tea, to which the doctor said but not today. This means the doctor doesn’t offer his consent to tea that day and can’t be offered tea. Likewise, the two doctors then further explain Case Number 3 and 4.&nbsp;

“Not enough men who are outraged, not enough men who are intervening, not enough men who are allies, not enough men who are standing up for those who suffer at the hands of the worst of our kind. Not enough men trying to imagine what it must feel like to live in fear of violence and ask ourselves what we can to change it. Not enough men changing the narrative. It’s time we tried to be enough. It’s time to step up.” the caption read further.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/if-she-wants-to-spend-let-her-earn-hc-judge-on-woman-seeking-rs-6-lakh-monthly-maintenance-from-ex-husband-752140">'If she wants to spend, let her earn': HC Judge on woman seeking Rs 6 lakh monthly maintenance from ex-husband</a>

With over 6.3 million views, the video has gone viral on social media. The Instagram video has also garnered tons of comments from people.&nbsp;

“It's so sad they're having to teach consent Dora the Explorer way,” wrote an Instagram user.&nbsp;

Another user added, “Case number whatever hasn't been said yet: if you offer chai, and they say they want chai, but you give them coffee instead, that is also not consent.”

A third commented, “How sad it is that we have to explain things as simple as consent to grown-ups. We teach little girls to be careful but we don't teach little boys to not cross the boundaries.”

(With inputs from agencies)

To teach “boys and men” about something simple like consent, two doctors took to Instagram and shared a simple video about consent and how it works. The video has been receiving a lot of appreciation from people, especially women.

To teach “boys and men” about something simple like consent, two doctors took to Instagram and shared a simple video about consent and how it works. The video has been receiving a lot of appreciation from people, especially women. The two doctors tried to educate people on consent over a cup of tea with four cases in which consent can be understood. The video was captioned," Explain like I’m 5 years old: What is consent? Seems obvious? You’d be surprised. To men who truly want to help create change, it’s time you stop telling the world it’s #notallmen, and ask yourself why there are #notenoughmen." Also Read | Kolkata rape-murder: Top RG Kar hospital officials, including new principal, sacked amid ongoing protests The video starts with an address to all “boys and men”, in which one doctor tries to offer tea to another doctor under four circumstances. Watch the full video here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Agni Kumar Bose (@doctor.agni) × In Case Number 1, the doctor said ‘Yes’ to the tea, which is a clear indication that he gave his consent for the tea offered to him. In Case Number 2, the doctor said no, to which the first person replied but yesterday you said yes to the tea, to which the doctor said but not today. This means the doctor doesn’t offer his consent to tea that day and can’t be offered tea. Likewise, the two doctors then further explain Case Number 3 and 4. “Not enough men who are outraged, not enough men who are intervening, not enough men who are allies, not enough men who are standing up for those who suffer at the hands of the worst of our kind. Not enough men trying to imagine what it must feel like to live in fear of violence and ask ourselves what we can to change it. Not enough men changing the narrative. It’s time we tried to be enough. It’s time to step up.” the caption read further. Also Read | 'If she wants to spend, let her earn': HC Judge on woman seeking Rs 6 lakh monthly maintenance from ex-husband With over 6.3 million views, the video has gone viral on social media. The Instagram video has also garnered tons of comments from people. “It's so sad they're having to teach consent Dora the Explorer way,” wrote an Instagram user. Another user added, “Case number whatever hasn't been said yet: if you offer chai, and they say they want chai, but you give them coffee instead, that is also not consent.” A third commented, “How sad it is that we have to explain things as simple as consent to grown-ups. We teach little girls to be careful but we don't teach little boys to not cross the boundaries.” (With inputs from agencies)

Doctors break down basics of consent 'like a 5 years old' in a must-watch viral video for boys and men

An X user named Prateek Aryan has come under fire for posting a professional performer's video without her consent. He also went on to moral police the woman and refused to take down the video.

Gravitas | X user compares educational institutes to 'brothels' over dancing

Manipulative web design techniques, like dark patterns, used to gather data, acquire permission to use cookies and more remain common. WION tells you about these dark patterns and how do they affect consent.

Tech Talk: What are Dark Patterns and how do they affect consent?

The new legislation would require women in Japan to seek their partner’s consent before being prescribed the abortion pill, which will reportedly be approved late this year. Under Japan’s 1948 Maternal Protection Law, consent is already required for surgical abortions, with very few exceptions.

 
This move comes three decades after abortion pills were approved in the United Kingdom.

 
“In principle, we believe that spousal consent is necessary, even if an abortion is induced by an oral medication,” Yasuhiro Hashimoto, a senior health ministry official, told a parliamentary committee earlier this month, according to Bloomberg.

 
Kumi Tsukahara, a founding member of Action for Safe Abortion Japan, said: “‘Spousal consent’ becomes an issue when there is a disagreement with the spouse or the spouse is forcing the woman to give birth against her will.

 
“For women, being forced into a pregnancy they do not want is violence and a form of torture.”

 
Cases have been seen where doctors in Japan refused to approve an abortion for women who had been sexually assaulted, forcing health ministry officials to write to the Japan Medical Association to clarify that consent is not required in rape cases.

 
The delay in approving the pill tramples women’s reproductive rights, and the possible $780 cost, reflects the priorities of the male-dominated parliament.

 
Oral contraceptives were only legalised in 1999 after a drawn-out nine-year legal debate, Japanese politicians took just six months to approve Viagra, the erectile dysfunction medication produced by Pfizer Inc.

 
"In principle, we believe that spousal consent is necessary, even if an abortion is induced by an oral medication," said Yasuhiro Hashimoto, the head of the ministry's child and family policy bureau.

 
But Mizuho Fukushima, a politician from the opposition Social Democratic Party, was critical of the ministry's position, asking the hearing, "Why should a woman need her partner's approval? It's her body."

 
"Women are not the property of men", she added. "Their rights, not those of the men&nbsp;should be protected."

 
Around 145,000 surgical abortions were carried out in Japan in 2020, which is one of only Il nations that still require the consent of the woman's partner for the procedure to go ahead. This requirement has been criticised by the World Health Organisation. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The new legislation would require women in Japan to seek their partner’s consent before being prescribed the abortion pill, which will reportedly be approved late this year.

The new legislation would require women in Japan to seek their partner’s consent before being prescribed the abortion pill, which will reportedly be approved late this year. Under Japan’s 1948 Maternal Protection Law, consent is already required for surgical abortions, with very few exceptions. This move comes three decades after abortion pills were approved in the United Kingdom. “In principle, we believe that spousal consent is necessary, even if an abortion is induced by an oral medication,” Yasuhiro Hashimoto, a senior health ministry official, told a parliamentary committee earlier this month, according to Bloomberg. Kumi Tsukahara, a founding member of Action for Safe Abortion Japan, said: “‘Spousal consent’ becomes an issue when there is a disagreement with the spouse or the spouse is forcing the woman to give birth against her will. “For women, being forced into a pregnancy they do not want is violence and a form of torture.” Cases have been seen where doctors in Japan refused to approve an abortion for women who had been sexually assaulted, forcing health ministry officials to write to the Japan Medical Association to clarify that consent is not required in rape cases. The delay in approving the pill tramples women’s reproductive rights, and the possible $780 cost, reflects the priorities of the male-dominated parliament. Oral contraceptives were only legalised in 1999 after a drawn-out nine-year legal debate, Japanese politicians took just six months to approve Viagra, the erectile dysfunction medication produced by Pfizer Inc. "In principle, we believe that spousal consent is necessary, even if an abortion is induced by an oral medication," said Yasuhiro Hashimoto, the head of the ministry's child and family policy bureau. But Mizuho Fukushima, a politician from the opposition Social Democratic Party, was critical of the ministry's position, asking the hearing, "Why should a woman need her partner's approval? It's her body." "Women are not the property of men", she added. "Their rights, not those of the men should be protected." Around 145,000 surgical abortions were carried out in Japan in 2020, which is one of only Il nations that still require the consent of the woman's partner for the procedure to go ahead. This requirement has been criticised by the World Health Organisation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan to approve abortion pill – but partner’s consent mandatory

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense.<o:p></o:p>

With the hope of providing more rights for victims of sexual assault, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws that tackle ‘stealthing’ and spousal rape.<o:p></o:p>

Introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, removing a condom secretly without a verbal consent from the partner will now be prohibited and illegal under AB 453. Victims of stealthing can now sue the person who removed the condom against violation for damages and relief.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/status-of-women-and-state-of-feminism-in-china-419602">Spanish doctor writes 'current illness: homosexual' for a gay woman</a></o:p>

"Sexual assaults, especially those on women of color, are perpetually swept under the rug," Garcia said in a&nbsp;statement. "...It's disgusting that there are online communities that defend and encourage stealthing and give advice on how to get away with removing the condom without the consent of their partner."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

People found guilty of stealthing can now be held liable for general, special and punitive damages according to the law.<o:p></o:p>

This law has been brought into place after a 2017 Yale study revealed that women and men around the world have been victims of stealthing. Victims were not just worried about getting pregnant or getting infected by sexually transmitted diseases, but also felt that the experience was "disempowering, demeaning violation of a sexual agreement".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/status-of-women-and-state-of-feminism-in-china-419602">Status of women and state of feminism in China</a></o:p>

California has also become the first state to differentiate between spousal rape and non-spousal rape. Earlier, rape was defined as an act of sexual intercourse forced upon a person by anyone other than their spouse. However, now if the partner does not give consent for sexual intercourse that will be made illegal under the new spousal rape law. The latest law has eliminated the provision to include spousal rape under the definition of rape.<o:p></o:p>

"Rape is rape," Assemblywoman Garcia said in a&nbsp;statement. "And a marriage license is not an excuse for committing one of society's most violent and sadistic crimes. AB 1171 will mandate adherence to a law that will protect vulnerable spouses in a union."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense.

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense. With the hope of providing more rights for victims of sexual assault, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws that tackle ‘stealthing’ and spousal rape. Introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, removing a condom secretly without a verbal consent from the partner will now be prohibited and illegal under AB 453. Victims of stealthing can now sue the person who removed the condom against violation for damages and relief. Also read | Spanish doctor writes 'current illness: homosexual' for a gay woman "Sexual assaults, especially those on women of color, are perpetually swept under the rug," Garcia said in a statement. "...It's disgusting that there are online communities that defend and encourage stealthing and give advice on how to get away with removing the condom without the consent of their partner." People found guilty of stealthing can now be held liable for general, special and punitive damages according to the law. This law has been brought into place after a 2017 Yale study revealed that women and men around the world have been victims of stealthing. Victims were not just worried about getting pregnant or getting infected by sexually transmitted diseases, but also felt that the experience was "disempowering, demeaning violation of a sexual agreement". Also read | Status of women and state of feminism in China California has also become the first state to differentiate between spousal rape and non-spousal rape. Earlier, rape was defined as an act of sexual intercourse forced upon a person by anyone other than their spouse. However, now if the partner does not give consent for sexual intercourse that will be made illegal under the new spousal rape law. The latest law has eliminated the provision to include spousal rape under the definition of rape. "Rape is rape," Assemblywoman Garcia said in a statement. "And a marriage license is not an excuse for committing one of society's most violent and sadistic crimes. AB 1171 will mandate adherence to a law that will protect vulnerable spouses in a union."

California becomes first state to ban secret removal of condom during sex

A father of a seven-year-old girl has decided to sue his daughter’s school for cutting her hair without gaining permission from her parents.

Jimmy Hoffmeyer has accused a librarian and a teacher's assistant of racial discrimination, ethnic intimidation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The father has claimed that his daughter’s constitutional rights were violated by forcing her to chop her hair without consulting her parents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stairway-to-heaven-hawaiis-famous-haiku-stairs-will-likely-be-removed-413799">'Stairway to heaven': Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs will likely be removed</a>

He said his daughter came back home with a major portion of her hair from one side cut, and the parents were shocked as they were completely unaware of this.

The girl’s father has cleared that his daughter’s hair were cut by a fellow classmate on the school bus. When a complaint was filed to the Principal, his daughter’s hair was restyled at a salon to hide the obvious difference in length.

Two days later, however, his daughter once again came home with her hair shorter on the other side. "I asked what happened and said 'I thought I told you no child should ever cut your hair'," Mr Hoffmeyer said at the time. "She said, 'but Dad, it was the teacher'. The teacher cut her hair to even it out."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-covid-vaccines-adversely-affecting-menstrual-cycles-heres-the-truth-413764">Are Covid vaccines adversely affecting menstrual cycles? Here's the truth</a>

However, the Ganiard Elementary School in Mount Pleasant have rubbished these allegations as “baseless” and have vowed to “aggressively defend” themselves in the court.

"We are confident that the facts will prevail given our district's appropriate and aggressive response to the incident and the findings of the third-party investigation that was conducted,"&nbsp;Amy Bond, president of Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education, said.&nbsp;"We will aggressively defend against these baseless allegations in court and will not allow this to distract us from our mission to provide every child a world-class education that prepares them for college and careers."

Her father has claimed that the girl who cut his daughter’s hair was white and so was the teacher who attended the whole situation. The school, however, claims they conducted an independent investigation and found no racial bias in this situation.

Hoffmeyer has lashed back at the school and claimed that neither him, nor his daughter were interviewed or made aware about any investigation. His daughter has resumed her studies at another school now.

A father of a seven-year-old girl has decided to sue his daughter’s school for cutting her hair without gaining permission from her parents. Jimmy Hoffmeyer has accused a librarian and a teacher's assistant of racial discrimination, ethnic intimidation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A father of a seven-year-old girl has decided to sue his daughter’s school for cutting her hair without gaining permission from her parents. Jimmy Hoffmeyer has accused a librarian and a teacher's assistant of racial discrimination, ethnic intimidation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The father has claimed that his daughter’s constitutional rights were violated by forcing her to chop her hair without consulting her parents. Also read | 'Stairway to heaven': Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs will likely be removed He said his daughter came back home with a major portion of her hair from one side cut, and the parents were shocked as they were completely unaware of this. The girl’s father has cleared that his daughter’s hair were cut by a fellow classmate on the school bus. When a complaint was filed to the Principal, his daughter’s hair was restyled at a salon to hide the obvious difference in length. Two days later, however, his daughter once again came home with her hair shorter on the other side. "I asked what happened and said 'I thought I told you no child should ever cut your hair'," Mr Hoffmeyer said at the time. "She said, 'but Dad, it was the teacher'. The teacher cut her hair to even it out." Also read | Are Covid vaccines adversely affecting menstrual cycles? Here's the truth However, the Ganiard Elementary School in Mount Pleasant have rubbished these allegations as “baseless” and have vowed to “aggressively defend” themselves in the court. "We are confident that the facts will prevail given our district's appropriate and aggressive response to the incident and the findings of the third-party investigation that was conducted," Amy Bond, president of Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education, said. "We will aggressively defend against these baseless allegations in court and will not allow this to distract us from our mission to provide every child a world-class education that prepares them for college and careers." Her father has claimed that the girl who cut his daughter’s hair was white and so was the teacher who attended the whole situation. The school, however, claims they conducted an independent investigation and found no racial bias in this situation. Hoffmeyer has lashed back at the school and claimed that neither him, nor his daughter were interviewed or made aware about any investigation. His daughter has resumed her studies at another school now.

Father of 7-year-old sues school for cutting her hair without consent

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules&nbsp;against rape under false pretence and fake consent.

The new law states that only a direct 'yes' can be justified as consent for sexual intercourse. The absence of consent and a 'no' will not be ruled as 'justifications' in rape cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPjqq0987xAhUJyzgGHdOHAQgQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2utLuGJqlMVeHi0WaV2130" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969" target="_blank">Dowry&nbsp;payments still largely taking place in India: World Bank</a>

It "makes clear that silence or passivity do not mean consent, or that not showing opposition can not be an excuse to act against the will of the other person," explained government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero.

This bill has been introduced after the tragic gang-rape case of an 18-year-old woman. The victim was raped by five men at a bull-running festival in northern Spain who called themselves the "wolf pack".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwkdf85svxAhX0xzgGHV5vAcQQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3PLG7aH0oRdT4mvDsLrUp9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497" target="_blank">Growing 'epidemic' of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;violence in New Zealand</a>

These penetrators were initially only charged with sexual abuse, rather than sexual assault as the judge believed there was no use of physical violence. It was also suggested that considering the victim had stayed silent, it was a form of consent.

Contesting this thought process and highlighting loopholes in the criminal code, this new bill "only yes is yes" has been introduced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFioOH58vxAhV_xzgGHd5RBn84ChAWMAB6BAgFEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1fGBe3OH-m6caOsTeKed5-" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631" target="_blank">Rising cases of&nbsp;sexual harassment&nbsp;in UK schools alarming</a>

As per this new law, rape will be defined as a forced sexual activity performed without the consent of the victim. It will also bring in violence and intimidation during sexual assault.

Under this law, work-related sexual harassment cases can also lead to jail time. Additionally, catcalling will be labelled as a criminal offence.

The law will now be open to a debate and vote in September.

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules against rape under false pretence and fake consent.

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules against rape under false pretence and fake consent. The new law states that only a direct 'yes' can be justified as consent for sexual intercourse. The absence of consent and a 'no' will not be ruled as 'justifications' in rape cases. Also read | Dowry payments still largely taking place in India: World Bank It "makes clear that silence or passivity do not mean consent, or that not showing opposition can not be an excuse to act against the will of the other person," explained government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero. This bill has been introduced after the tragic gang-rape case of an 18-year-old woman. The victim was raped by five men at a bull-running festival in northern Spain who called themselves the "wolf pack". Also read | Growing 'epidemic' of sexual violence in New Zealand These penetrators were initially only charged with sexual abuse, rather than sexual assault as the judge believed there was no use of physical violence. It was also suggested that considering the victim had stayed silent, it was a form of consent. Contesting this thought process and highlighting loopholes in the criminal code, this new bill "only yes is yes" has been introduced. Also read | Rising cases of sexual harassment in UK schools alarming As per this new law, rape will be defined as a forced sexual activity performed without the consent of the victim. It will also bring in violence and intimidation during sexual assault. Under this law, work-related sexual harassment cases can also lead to jail time. Additionally, catcalling will be labelled as a criminal offence. The law will now be open to a debate and vote in September.

'Only yes is yes': Spain's Cabinet passes bill to redefine 'consent' in rape law

Golden Globe award-winning artist Aziz Ansari has finally issued a statement in response to a claim of sexual misconduct by an anonymous woman.In the statement, the 34-year-old actor recalled the night he met this woman and after days of talking to each other they eventually went on a date and ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was &quot;completely consensual&quot;. 
 
The statement continued, &quot;The next day, I got a text from her saying that although `it may have seemed okay,` upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned.&quot; 
 
Ansari, in a statement, said that he &quot;took her words to heart&quot; at the time and reached out to her privately &quot;after taking the time to process what she had said.&quot; The 34-year-old Master of None&nbsp;star concluded his statement by saying, &quot;I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue.&quot; 
 
His statement was in response to the claims of a woman referred to only as a 23-year-old Brooklyn-based photographer named &quot;Grace&quot;.Grace claimed that she met Ansari at an Emmy Awards after-party in September 2017 when they exchanged numbers and eventually went on a date. 
 
After a meal, she said they returned to his apartment, where she alleged that several sexual acts occurred though she was &quot;physically giving off cues that I wasn`t interested.&quot;She texted him the next day telling him how &quot;uneasy&quot; his behaviour made her feel.&nbsp;

Ansari, in a statement, said that he "took her words to heart" at the time and reached out to her privately "after taking the time to process what she had said.

Golden Globe award-winning artist Aziz Ansari has finally issued a statement in response to a claim of sexual misconduct by an anonymous woman.In the statement, the 34-year-old actor recalled the night he met this woman and after days of talking to each other they eventually went on a date and ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was "completely consensual". The statement continued, "The next day, I got a text from her saying that although `it may have seemed okay,` upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned." Ansari, in a statement, said that he "took her words to heart" at the time and reached out to her privately "after taking the time to process what she had said." The 34-year-old Master of None star concluded his statement by saying, "I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue." His statement was in response to the claims of a woman referred to only as a 23-year-old Brooklyn-based photographer named "Grace".Grace claimed that she met Ansari at an Emmy Awards after-party in September 2017 when they exchanged numbers and eventually went on a date. After a meal, she said they returned to his apartment, where she alleged that several sexual acts occurred though she was "physically giving off cues that I wasn`t interested."She texted him the next day telling him how "uneasy" his behaviour made her feel.

Aziz Ansari responds to allegation of sexual misconduct, says he thought it was 'completely consensual'

consent

Consent, News on Consent, stories on Consent, articles on Consent, Consent stories at Wion, Consent news, Consent latest news