France: Strict action against sex with children | Abroad

So having sex with someone under the age of fifteen is punishable by up to twenty years in prison if there is no small age difference between the bed partners. Justice Minister Eric DuPont-Moretti wants to convey the message that “children are unlimited”.

Under current French law, prosecutors must prove that the victim was forced, threatened or deceived if he raped a girl. Sex with minors is illegal in France, but it is much less punishable if there is sexual consent.

Performance

The exception only applies to bed partners who are not over the age of five. Although the bill was unanimously approved by parliament, there are also criticisms. Some members think the age difference is too great. The minister explains that he does not want “a young man over the age of 18 to attempt voluntary intercourse with a 14.5-year-old woman.”

The bill still goes to the Senate for a second reading, where it is expected to be approved. The minimum age for sexual consent in France applies to many Western countries.