French minister says in favour of adding 'consent' to rape law

The National Times - French minister says in favour of adding 'consent' to rape law

French minister says in favour of adding 'consent' to rape law / Photo: © AFP

France's new Justice Minister Didier Migaud said Friday that he was in favour of adding the notion of "consent" to the country's law defining rape.

Change text size:

The legal definition of rape in France includes the notions of "violence, coercion, threat or surprise", but makes no mention of "consent".

Asked if he would back such a move on the France Inter radio station, Migaud replied: "yes".

Women's rights advocates have called for the law to be tightened by including the concept, so that all sex without consent would be considered rape.

They say only a tiny fraction of rapes or attempted rapes lead to a conviction.

President Emmanuel Macron in March also signalled he would back changing the law to include "consent".

The notion has since early September been at the heart of a mass rape trial that has shocked France.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, has admitted to drugging his wife to rape her while unconscious and inviting dozens of strangers to join in for almost a decade.

He and 50 co-defendants are being tried in the southern city of Avignon, in a trial to last until December.

Many of the accused have claimed they were led to believe they were taking part in a couple's fantasy.

During hearings, some defendants have reluctantly acknowledged that Gisele Pelicot had not given them her consent.

Gisele Pelicot, now 71 and divorced, has received praise for demanding the trial be open to the public to raise awareness about the use of drugs to facilitate sexual abuse.

Spain in 2023 approved new legislation, dubbed the "Only yes means yes" law, under which all non-consensual sex is rape.

Sweden, Greece, Denmark and Finland have also passed similar laws.

F.Lim--TNT

ANC’s Renewal Rhetoric Fades as Voters Reject Party in 2026 Local Elections

After nearly twenty years of official pledges to reverse internal decay and restore public trust, the African National Congress (ANC) faces a stark reality check following the 2026 local government elections. The results indicate that South African voters no longer believe in the party's capacity for renewal, marking a significant shift from the era when the ANC maintained overwhelming electoral support despite early warnings of structural crisis.

Cuban Diplomat Warns U.S. Blockade Is Severing People-to-People Ties

Cuban diplomat Gabriela Castillo warns that escalating U.S. sanctions are severing vital human connections between the two nations, particularly affecting academic exchanges and longstanding solidarity with African American communities. She argues that political coercion is inflicting collective punishment on Cuban civilians while erasing opportunities for mutual understanding.

Home Affairs Deploys AI to Clear Asylum Backlog Amid Staffing Crisis

The South African Department of Home Affairs has launched a new digital platform utilizing artificial intelligence and biometric technology to overhaul the country’s asylum process. The initiative aims to resolve a severe operational bottleneck, as only nine officials were managing thousands of outstanding appeals at the start of the current administration. Officials warn that registering an intention to apply does not grant automatic protection against immigration enforcement.

Ian Borg Honoured by Palestinian and Arab League Ambassadors for Palestine Support

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has been presented with a commemorative plaque by the ambassadors of Palestine and the Arab League to Malta. The honour recognizes his support for Arab causes during his tenure as Foreign Minister, particularly regarding Malta’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine.