French Rape Law Faces Overhaul After High-Profile Trial

The Dominique Pelicot case has sparked national debate on consent and may lead to legal reforms in France.

Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his wife and orchestrating her rape by multiple men, leading to a trial of 50 defendants.
Despite video evidence, many defendants deny rape charges, claiming they were misled or believed the victim was consenting.
The case has intensified discussions on France's rape laws, which currently do not explicitly require consent as a legal criterion.
Justice Minister Didier Migaud and President Emmanuel Macron support updating the law to include consent, aligning with other European nations.
A cross-party bill is being prepared to redefine rape legally, with potential passage in the National Assembly by March 2025.