French lawmakers unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday to abolish the concept of “marital duty,” which has historically been used to dismiss issues of sexual consent within marriage, including cases of marital rape. The legislation aims to ensure that sexual consent is recognized and respected regardless of marital status.
Michele Goodwin, a professor of Constitutional Law and Global Health Policy at Georgetown University, highlighted the role of legal systems in perpetuating gender inequality. She noted that laws have allowed women to be subjected to sexual abuse by their spouses or partners, reflecting deeply ingrained legal and cultural attitudes.
**Why this matters**
The removal of “marital duty” from law marks a significant step toward protecting individual rights and addressing sexual violence within marriage. It challenges longstanding legal frameworks that have treated women as property and reinforces the principle that consent is essential in all intimate relationships. This change may influence similar legal reforms in other countries.
Source: News Source