France’s National Assembly unanimously backed a separate section on incest in the Penal Code and an expanded definition covering first cousins. The vote took place during debate on a broader bill addressing sexual and gender-based violence.
France’s National Assembly unanimously approved on October 6 a provision to create a separate criminal offence of incest in the Penal Code. Franceinfo reported that the measure would establish a distinct section with its own rules and penalties and expand the definition to include first cousins.
Until now, incest has been treated, among other things, as an aggravating circumstance in rape cases following a 2021 reform. The provision was considered as part of a broader bill against sexual and gender-based violence targeting women and children. The vote on this article does not mean the full bill has been enacted.
Catherine Ibled of the Renaissance party said incest was not only sexual violence but also family, psychological and physical violence. She argued that naming incest in law would recognize victims’ experiences and provide legal protection, and pointed to the harm done to family relationships and mental health.
Socialist lawmaker Florence Herouin-Léautey cited figures according to which a cousin was identified as the alleged perpetrator in 13% of cases involving female victims and 16% involving male victims. The figures were presented during parliamentary debate.