French lawmakers unanimously passed a bill aimed at eliminating the concept of “marital duty,” which has been criticized for allowing sexual consent within marriage to be overlooked and enabling marital rape. The legislation seeks to ensure that spouses cannot be compelled to engage in sexual acts against their will.
Michele Goodwin, a professor specializing in constitutional law and global health policy, highlighted that legal frameworks have historically contributed to the unequal treatment of women. She noted that certain laws have permitted sexual abuse by husbands and partners, reflecting outdated views of women as property.
**Why this matters**
The removal of “marital duty” from law marks a significant step toward recognizing and protecting the sexual autonomy and rights of individuals within marriage. It challenges long-standing legal and cultural norms that have allowed sexual violence to persist in intimate relationships, promoting greater gender equality and personal safety.
Source: News Source