These are the changes that kick-off on 1 June. The reforms of sexual criminal law β the result of lengthy work in committee β will enter into force on 1 June. The changes are intended to take into account changes in society, placing the concept of consent at the heart of the new legislation.
The penalty for rape will increase to a sentence of 15 to 20 years, compared to the previous five to 10 years. Penalties for voyeurism are being reduced, and in certain circumstances, a judge will be able to impose alternative sentences to prison for sexual offences.
The bill also nuances the age of sexual majority at 16, allowing a tolerance from the age of 14 so long as there is consent and a maximum age difference of three years. Prostitution remains prohibited for minors, and advertising is prohibited with a few exceptions. Prior to now, sexual offences have been considered crimes and offences against family order and public morality, as laid down in legislation dating from From now on, sexual offences will be considered to be committed against individuals.
Incest is also finally mentioned in the law. The welcome course for newcomers, which has existed in the Brussels Region since , will become compulsory from 1 June for anyone aged between 18 and A support programme for newcomers from outside the European Union, it's been available since in Brussels, although it was previously optional.
It can also be followed by EU citizens if they wish. The course applies to everyone who registers for the first time in the foreigners' register of a Brussels municipality. But it does not apply to those who have been a legal resident in Belgium for three years or more. After receiving their residence permit, non-Belgians in Brussels will have six months to register at a reception office, whereupon they will then have 18 months to complete the welcome course.
