Lawmakers Consider “Yes Means Yes” Sex Assault Bill

A bill that requires all Connecticut colleges to establish "affirmed consent" as the threshold for determining whether sexual activity is consensual is moving through the General Assembly.

Under the legislation, the term affirmed consent is defined as an "active, clear and voluntary agreement" by a person to engage in sexual activity. That agreement may be revoked at any time. Killingly Sen. Mae Flexer said the legislation will help "change the conversation on college campuses from 'no means no' to 'yes means yes."'

Currently, UConn, the University of New Haven and Yale University are the only three institutions of higher education in Connecticut with affirmative consent policies in place.

The bill cleared the Senate on a 34-1 vote late Tuesday night. It now awaits action in the House of Representatives.

Copyright The Associated Press
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