France's Senate gives final approval to landmark bill defining rape as any non-consensual act, following Gisèle Pelicot case.
In a significant step forward for women's rights in France, the country's Senate has unanimously approved a bill that defines rape as any non-consensual sexual act. The bill is part of a broader effort to combat rape culture and impunity in France, following a highly publicized trial in which 51 men were convicted of raping and abusing Gisèle Pelicot.
The new law, which will come into effect next year, defines consent as "freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable" - a definition similar to that used in many other European countries. The law also makes clear that there is no consent if the sexual act is committed with violence, coercion, or surprise.
The bill was championed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Greens' Marie-Charlotte Garin and Emmanuel Macron's centrist party's Véronique Riotton. They hailed the reform as a "historic step forward" in the fight against sexual violence.
However, not everyone is celebrating the news. The far-right National Rally voted against the bill, citing concerns about its potential impact on free speech.
The approval of this landmark bill comes amid growing recognition that France's current laws on rape are outdated and inadequate. For decades, rape was defined as penetration or oral sex using violence, coercion, or surprise - a definition that many argue is too narrow.
According to Amnesty International France, the reform is an important step forward but "only one step" in the fight against impunity for gender-based and sexual violence. The organization has called for improved sex education, training for justice and police officials, and increased resources for support groups.
Gisèle Pelicot's case, which exposed widespread rape culture and a lack of understanding about consent among French men, has become a rallying cry for activists fighting to end impunity for gender-based violence in France.
In a significant step forward for women's rights in France, the country's Senate has unanimously approved a bill that defines rape as any non-consensual sexual act. The bill is part of a broader effort to combat rape culture and impunity in France, following a highly publicized trial in which 51 men were convicted of raping and abusing Gisèle Pelicot.
The new law, which will come into effect next year, defines consent as "freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable" - a definition similar to that used in many other European countries. The law also makes clear that there is no consent if the sexual act is committed with violence, coercion, or surprise.
The bill was championed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Greens' Marie-Charlotte Garin and Emmanuel Macron's centrist party's Véronique Riotton. They hailed the reform as a "historic step forward" in the fight against sexual violence.
However, not everyone is celebrating the news. The far-right National Rally voted against the bill, citing concerns about its potential impact on free speech.
The approval of this landmark bill comes amid growing recognition that France's current laws on rape are outdated and inadequate. For decades, rape was defined as penetration or oral sex using violence, coercion, or surprise - a definition that many argue is too narrow.
According to Amnesty International France, the reform is an important step forward but "only one step" in the fight against impunity for gender-based and sexual violence. The organization has called for improved sex education, training for justice and police officials, and increased resources for support groups.
Gisèle Pelicot's case, which exposed widespread rape culture and a lack of understanding about consent among French men, has become a rallying cry for activists fighting to end impunity for gender-based violence in France.
the definition of rape is so broad now anyone who pushes boundaries can be labeled as rapist lol what's next??
This bill is a big deal, I think it's good that they're finally updating their laws on rape. The definition of consent is really clear now and that's something we should all be on board with. 
It's also interesting to see both sides of the aisle coming together on this one, that shows there's some common ground being reached.
But I guess you can never know how people will react until they see the law in action.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr. 
, but let's be real, it's gonna take a lot more than just a bill to change people's attitudes and behaviors 
just thinkin, its about time we redefine what rape is, like how can we just keep lettin ppl get away with it? 
the definition of consent is kinda vague tho, but im all 4 it 
gotta start seein more men holdin each other accountable 4 their actions. its not just about the law tho, its about changin the culture 
i'm all for improved sex education, more resources for support groups, and training for justice & police officials 
. This law is long overdue and it's about time we stop treatin' rape like some kinda joke. I mean, 51 guys gettin away with that? It's not on. The way they defined consent tho, "freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable" ... sounds like a solid plan to me 
. It's about time we redefine what constitutes rape and make sure everyone understands that consent is key 
. The definition they've chosen - freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable - is PERFECT 
. It's a huge step forward for women's rights in France, and we should be cheering each other on all day long 
!
, I'm so over these new laws trying to define everything down to the bare minimum... like, who really checks if someone's "specific" about their consent? 
And what about when it's a casual conversation or something? Do they still have to say "prior and revocable"? It sounds like a whole lot of responsibility for one person 
. I know it sounds crazy, but what if we're all just misunderstood? And on the other hand, who are we kidding? Rape culture is real and we need to take action 
. The fact that not everyone is celebrating this news is kinda concerning... is it a case of "all or nothing" when it comes to protecting women's rights? Can't we just find a balance between freedom and protection?