“Children Are Off-Limits” Thanks to New Age of Consent

In the wake of the MeToo movement and a wave of sexual allegations and misconducts, France has aligned with most Western countries by finally setting an age of sexual consent – 15 – and pushing for harsher punishments.

“Children are off-limits,” says Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti about members in the lower house voting unanimously in favor of the new bill.

Following 300 amendments, the bill now stipulates that sex with children under 15 is considered rape. The punishment is prison time up to 20 years. The bill also addresses the question of online pedophilia. If a person is caught trying to groom underage children, they could end up in prison for 10 years and face a fine of $180,000.