On April 1, the French National Assembly approved, in its first reading, a proposal to redefine the legal parameters of rape in the French Penal Code.

This legislative initiative aims to explicitly include non-consent as a pivotal element in the definition of rape, marking a significant shift in legal terminology and approach to sexual violence in France.

The bill garnered support from a coalition of political parties, though it faced opposition from parts of the Socialist Party and various feminist organizations who expressed concerns regarding its provisions.

Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior, who has faced allegations from two women, defended the legislation during the debates.

The co-rapporteur of the bill, Marie-Charlotte Garin of the Ecologist Party, characterized the vote as 'a first stone thrown into the wall of impunity,' highlighting its significance in the context of ongoing discussions about gender-based violence and the importance of ensuring legal protections for victims of sexual offenses.

The proposal will now move forward in the legislative process as France continues to grapple with issues of sexual consent and legal accountability.