France Updates Rape Law to Focus on Consent After Landmark Case

France has made a significant legal reform by updating its rape laws to center on consent. The bill, introduced in response to the Gisèle Pelicot case, redefines consent as ‘freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable,’ and it is assessed ‘in the light of the circumstances.’ This change shifts the burden from accusers having to prove lack of consent to the accused having to demonstrate how consent was given.

The reform comes after 51 men were convicted for the rape of Pelicot, sparking a nationwide debate on sexual violence and consent. Women’s rights defenders in France have praised the new law, which requires those accused of rape or sexual assault to provide a clear explanation of how consent was obtained.

The French parliament’s unanimous vote to add consent to rape law aligns the country with other European Union nations and reflects a growing global recognition of the importance of consent in sexual interactions. The timeframe for implementing these changes means that there is currently no established case law on how to determine and assess consent in legal proceedings.

This landmark reform marks a significant step forward in addressing sexual violence and ensuring that all non-consensual sexual acts are recognized as crimes. By redefining rape to include any non-consensual sex act, France is sending a clear message that consent is paramount in all sexual encounters.