CRIME & LAW

France Adds Consent to Its Rape Law After Yearslong Fight

French lawmakers voted to add consent to the legal definition of sexual assault and rape, with 327 of 342 senators backing the measure and 15 abstaining. The overhaul, propelled by a case in which dozens of men were convicted of raping Gisèle Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious, states that any nonconsensual sexual act is assault and that consent must be free, informed, specific, prior and revocable—not silence. Supporters say it strengthens justice; critics warn it could burden victims and falls short of broader change.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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