shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > News > World News > Article > France to fix age of sexual consent at 15

France to fix age of sexual consent at 15

Updated on: 06 March,2018 08:00 PM IST  |  Paris
IANS |

Current laws in France criminalise sex with children under the age of 15 but prosecutors must prove that the sexual act was forced, the BBC reported

France to fix age of sexual consent at 15

France to fix age of sexual consent at 15


Representational picture


Paris: France plans to set the legal age of sexual consent as 15 after two-high profile cases involving 11-year-old girls, according to the country's Equality Minister Marlène Schiappa.


Schiappa said the government "decided to set the age at 15" after consultations with doctors and legal experts. She said a new law would be presented to the Council of Ministers -- France's equivalent of a Cabinet -- on March 21, according to local media reports.

Current laws in France criminalise sex with children under the age of 15 but prosecutors must prove that the sexual act was forced, the BBC reported.

Under the existing legislation, if there is no violence or coercion proved, offenders may only be charged with sexual abuse of a minor and not rape.

It has a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euro ($87,000).

Sentences are the same for sexual assaults of minors and non-minors, but rape convictions carry much harsher punishments.

The government is to approve the new age limit as part of a package of other laws against sexual violence and harassment in the coming weeks.

Minister of Solidarity and Health Agnès Buzyn said setting a legal age of sexual consent would allow a "collective awareness" and that everyone would see what was "legal and illegal", Le Figaro newspaper reported.

In November 2017, a 30-year-old man was acquitted of rape after a court determined his 11-year-old victim had not been subjected to "constraint, threat, violence or surprise".

In another case, a court initially said a 28-year-old man should face charges of sexual assault, and not rape, after saying the victim was "not physically forced to have sex".

But the same court reversed its decision last month, saying the accused should face rape charges.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK