France Adopts Consent-Based Rape Law

France's Senate approved a consent-based change to its rape laws by an overwhelming majority, making any sexual act without consent a crime. The text requires consent to be 'freely given, informed, specific, prior and revocable' and says it cannot be inferred from silence or lack of reaction, while noting violence, coercion, threat or surprise negate consent. The reform was driven by outrage over the Gisèle Pelicot case, in which her husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious, and is intended to close legal gaps used by some defendants. Supporters called the law a historic shift from a culture of rape to a culture of consent and said it brings France into line with other European countries with consent-based laws. Advocacy groups and lawmakers urged complementary measures — better sex education, police and judicial training, and more victim support — while far-right opponents criticized the definition as subjective and difficult to apply.