Legislative Milestone in the Fight Against Sexual Violence
On Wednesday, French lawmakers approved a crucial reform that criminalizes any sexual act without explicit consent, positioning France as the latest European country to adopt legislation centered around the principle of consent.
The New Code Penal Definition
The French Penal Code will now enshrine the principle of consent in its definition of rape, following the Senate’s endorsement during a final legislative vote.
Consent Must Be Freely Given, Informed, Specific, Prior, and Revocable
According to the text, consent must be “free, informed, specific, prior, and revocable,” and should be assessed based on the circumstances. It explicitly states that consent cannot be inferred from silence or lack of reaction.
“There is no consent if the sexual act is committed through violence, coercion, threats, or surprise, regardless of its nature,” the law specifies.
Advocacy Groups Welcome the Reform
Rights advocacy groups for women celebrated the reform, while emphasizing that it should be accompanied by a deeper societal shift. Lola Schulmann of Amnesty International France described it as “a historic step” following other European countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
“Although this is a significant achievement, there remains much work to be done in ending the impunity of gender-based and sexual violence,” Schulmann added.
Calls for Comprehensive Support and Education
CIDFF, a women’s rights organization, urged for the reform to be complemented by improved sex education, training for judicial and law enforcement officials, and increased resources for support groups.
Background on the Catalyst for Change
This legislative project emerged in response to the Gisèle Pelicot case, which reignited the debate on consent in France. Her ex-husband was convicted for drugging her and inviting numerous strangers to rape her during their marriage.
