The proposed bill would enshrine in law the end of so-called "conjugal rights" – the notion that marriage means a duty to have sex.

France is to enshrine in law the end of so-called “conjugal rights” – the notion that marriage means a duty to have sex.

A bill approved on Wednesday in the National Assembly adds a clause to the country’s civil code to make clear that “community of living” does not create an “obligation for sexual relations”.

The proposed law also makes it impossible to use lack of sexual relations as an argument in fault-based divorce.

Though unlikely to have a major impact in the courts, supporters hope the law will help deter marital rape.

  • chiliedogg@lemmy.worldEnglish
    33·
    10 hours ago

    In a “fault” divorce, it could allow people to use the obligation of a spouse to perform sexual acts as a way to assign blame in the divorce. Basically allowing one partner to claim harm and therefore pursue financial damages or even leverage in custody disputes because they were owed sex. It trapped people in situations where they were forced to have sex or face potential civil penalties if their partner refused a no-fault divorce.