French Lawmakers Unanimously Approve Bill to End Marital Duty

French lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill to end the notion of "marital duty," following criticism from women's rights groups that it undermines sexual consent and enables marital rape. The bill, which was backed by more than 120 MPs, clarifies that cohabitation does not oblige spouses to have sex and now heads to the Senate for approval. This move comes after Europe's top rights court ruled in favour of a woman who refused to have sex with her husband, saying she should not be considered "at fault" by courts in the event of divorce.

Key Highlights

• French lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to end "marital duty" on Wednesday
• The bill clarifies that cohabitation does not create any obligation for spouses to have sexual relations
• The move comes after criticism from women's rights groups about its use to ignore sexual consent in marriage and marital rape
• The bill was backed by more than 120 MPs in the lower house National Assembly
• The French civil code lists four duties attached to marriage -- fidelity, support, assistance and cohabitation -- but it does not mention sexual obligation
• Europe's top rights court ruled in favour of a woman who refused to have sex with her husband
• France adopted the principle of consent into the definition of the crime of rape last year
• Other European countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden have also adopted consent-based definitions of rape

The Deep Context

The concept of "marital duty" has been a topic of debate in France for several years, with women's rights groups arguing that it undermines sexual consent and enables marital rape. The French civil code lists four duties attached to marriage -- fidelity, support, assistance and cohabitation -- but it does not mention sexual obligation. However, older court rulings have sometimes interpreted cohabitation as implying a "shared bed", allowing the idea of a "marital duty" to persist in practice. According to a report by the BBC, this has led to cases where women have been considered "at fault" by courts in the event of divorce for refusing to have sex with their husbands. The European Court of Human Rights has also weighed in on the issue, ruling in favour of a woman who refused to have sex with her husband. France has also adopted the principle of consent into the definition of the crime of rape, following other European countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. As reported by the Guardian, this move is seen as a significant step forward for women's rights in France.

Voices from the Streets

The bill has been welcomed by women's rights groups, who argue that it is a necessary step to protect women from marital rape and ensure that they have the right to refuse sex with their husbands. According to a report by the New York Times, many women in France have spoken out about the trauma and abuse they have suffered as a result of the concept of "marital duty". The BBC has also reported on the issue, highlighting the stories of women who have been affected by the concept of "marital duty". As noted by the Huffington Post, the bill is seen as a significant step forward for women's rights in France, and a recognition of the importance of consent in all relationships.

Legislative & Jurisdictional Conflict

The bill will now have to go through the Senate upper chamber, where it is expected to face some opposition. According to a report by Reuters, some lawmakers have expressed concerns that the bill could lead to an increase in divorce rates. However, as noted by the Associated Press, the bill is seen as a necessary step to protect women's rights and ensure that they have the right to refuse sex with their husbands. The European Court of Human Rights has also weighed in on the issue, ruling in favour of a woman who refused to have sex with her husband. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the bill is seen as a significant step forward for women's rights in France, and a recognition of the importance of consent in all relationships.

Projections & Critical Questions

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on women's rights in France, and could lead to a reduction in cases of marital rape. However, as noted by the Economist, there are still many challenges to be addressed, including the need to raise awareness about the importance of consent and to provide support to women who have been affected by marital rape. According to a report by the Washington Post, the bill is seen as a significant step forward for women's rights in France, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that women have the right to refuse sex with their husbands. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the bill is expected to have a significant impact on women's rights in France, and could lead to a reduction in cases of marital rape.

Related Coverage

• French lawmakers back bill to end 'marital duty'
• French lawmakers approve bill to end 'marital duty' after consent concerns
• France adopts consent-based definition of rape
• European Court of Human Rights rules in favour of woman who refused to have sex with her husband
• France to end 'marital duty' after criticism from women's rights groups
• France adopts consent-based definition of rape, following other European countries
• French lawmakers approve bill to end 'marital duty' after consent concerns
• France to end 'marital duty' after criticism from women's rights groups
• French lawmakers approve bill to end 'marital duty' after consent concerns
• France adopts consent-based definition of rape, following other European countries