Importance Score: 69 / 100 🔴
French Government’s Incest Law Stance Sparks Public Outcry
President Emmanuel Macron’s administration is facing substantial public opposition for its decision not to revise current incest laws. Public opinion polls indicate considerable support for amending existing legislation concerning incest in France.
Public Sentiment on Incest Legislation
Poll Reveals Widespread Desire for Legal Change
An Ipsos poll conducted for Face à l’Inceste, an organization dedicated to combating incest, found that 93% of those surveyed favored expanding the legal definition of incest to include cousins. This issue has proven sensitive in France, where the term only entered the criminal code in 2010.
Current Legal Framework in France
Unlike the United Kingdom, France doesn’t have a comprehensive prohibition on incest. However, marriages between parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles are prohibited.
4K Ultra HD Portable Foldable Projector Screen 100/120 Inch 16:9 with Stand & Carry Bag, Lightweight 1.5 Gain Polyester Material for Indoor Outdoor Home Theater ...
? Coupon price [$42.96]
[Stylish PU Jacket] Stylish Modern Mens Outdoor PU Jacket - Warm Fleece-Lined Motorcycle Coat, Tough Guy
? Coupon price [$34.29]
UNZHUO MAKE Mens High-Top Camouflage Work Boots - Non-Slip, Durable for Hiking, Outdoor & Mountaineering, Nylon Upper, Rubber Sole, EVA Insole
? Coupon price [$48.40]
The Link Between Incest and Sexual Abuse
Experts Highlight Incest as a Contributing Factor
Experts in France contend that incest contributes significantly to instances of rape and sexual assault.
Statistical Overview of Incest Victims
A 2020 study revealed that approximately one in ten French individuals are victims of incest, with fathers and fathers-in-law identified as the primary perpetrators (32.7%), followed by uncles (17.9%). While Face à l’Inceste suggests up to 20% of these assaults are perpetrated by cousins.
Government Concerns and Potential Ramifications
Fear of Banning Cousin Marriages
The French government reportedly worries that altering incest laws would inevitably necessitate banning marriages between cousins, a common practice within certain communities.
Impact on Specific Communities
Such unions are prevalent within France’s Romany community, estimated to number up to 350,000 individuals. They also occur occasionally among Muslim immigrant populations and, although rarely, among traditional Catholics.
Potential for Religious Tension
Consequently, government ministers are concerned that such a ban could potentially escalate religious tensions.
Calls for Reform and Government Resistance
Independent Commission’s Recommendation
Despite advocacy for a ban by France’s Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children, Macron’s government has remained steadfast in its position.
International Pressure on France
United Nations’ Scrutiny
France has also faced increasing pressure from the United Nations regarding its policies on incest.
UN Experts’ Concerns
In January, UN experts urged Macron to safeguard children from incest and all forms of sexual abuse.
The experts stated, “Despite credible allegations of sexual abuse and incestuous violence against children by their fathers, France has shown little regard for the principles of precaution and the best interests of the child, and allowed the mistreatment of their mothers.”