French Parliament Tightens Penalties for rape and introduces cyber-flashing offence

During a parliamentary committee meeting, French deputies endorsed several toughening measures within a comprehensive bill on sexual violence. The draft raises the ceiling for rape to 20 years of imprisonment when the crime is premeditated, deliberately recorded, or committed repeatedly on the same person, and to 30 years for serial rapes or when the victim dies. Critics on the left argued the focus should be on investigative resources rather than new penalties.

The legislation also removes the "Romeo and Juliet" provision, broadens the scope of incest to include cousins, and bans marriage between first cousins. A new criminal provision criminalises the unsolicited transmission of sexual images, punishable by imprisonment and a monetary penalty. Some left-wing deputies expressed concern that the new offence may not warrant custodial sentences.