On April 16, Reuters reported that the French National Assembly on April 15 (local time) passed a law that considered sexual intercourse with children under the age of 15 as rape and could be punished. 20 years in prison.
While the former acceptable age for sexual intercourse was 15, prosecutors in France were asked to prove sexual intercourse below this age a non-consensual act in order to be convicted. rape.
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told Congress: “This is a historic law for children and our society. No adult abuser can ask for the consent of a minor under 15 years of age.
Congress said on Twitter unanimously vote in favor of the bill at the final review.
Some lawmakers mean, meanwhile, that the age of consent below the level where sex automatically constitutes rape could criminalize a consensual relationship between a minor and a single person. several years older.
View of a session in the French National Assembly – Photo: Reuters
Therefore, the “Romeo and Juliet” provision in the law allows for an emotional relationship between a minor and an older individual 5 years of age or older. The term will not apply in cases of sexual assault.
The law also considers incestuous sex with minors under 18 years of age as rape.
In France, many sexual abuse cases against women and children over the years went undetected or undeclared, happening in an environment of power and among celebrities.
But a lot has changed in recent years.
The #MeToo movement spread around the world after many women in 2017 accused US film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault that created a turning point in the matter in France.
France strengthened its law on sex crimes in 2018 by banning street sexual harassment, forcing lewd men to face fines on the spot.
You must log in to post a comment.