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For La France insoumise, now is the time or never. We must act, and quickly. Yesterday, in the Assembly, in the Law Committee, MP Sarah Legrain defended her proposal for consent to appear in black and white in the penal code. For the rebellious elected official, it is necessary to pass, I quote, “from rape culture to consent culture “. How did the deputies react in committee? They rejected this proposal – They, in the plural – many speakers in this debate, elected officials involved on this subject.
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The substance and the form
At La France insoumise, we are furious, we denounce “the incomprehensible abstention of the Macronists”. But yesterday, in committee, the criticism often came from the left, also from the partners of La France insoumise, and sometimes with harsh words. Not on the substance, not on the defense of rape victims, but on the method, on this proposal coming from a group, the rebels, while the deputies are already working on the subject. And that they have been doing it together, since last year, in the delegation for women’s rights, right and left mixed, in a transpartisan way. In-depth work, on a complex subject, which requires time.
The rebels will continue to defend their proposal – it will be next Thursday, in public session. They want to appear as the best defenders of women’s rights. But in session, you will find the same debates, the same hesitations, which go far beyond the divide between the right and the left, or between the government and its opponents. On this subject, the definition of rape, politicians are divided, like magistrates, lawyers… and feminists. At the start of the year, Emmanuel Macron finally supported the idea of a law to include this notion of consent, without details. The dissolution swept away everything. The subject returns.
Looking for the right method
Supporters of registration hope to facilitate the work of justice, for better recognition of victims. The lawyer Catherine La Magueresse believes, for example, that consent must no longer and can no longer be presumed : it’s necessary “change the paradigm. But the introduction of the concept also arouses caution, even hostility. For its detractors, writing the word consent would seem like a false good idea. MP Clémentine Autain, a former rebel, herself a victim of rape a few years ago, has just published a text on her blog. For her, “consent is an ambiguous word”, and introducing this notion could weaken victims during trials, sometimes to the benefit of rapists. For Clémentine Autain, we must first look at the functioning of our society, the “relations of domination”the lack of resources for justice, and the countless classifications without follow-up.
Touching the penal code, on such a serious issue, is not trivial. If the law evolves, it will have major consequences, it will change the course of certain trials. In what sense? For the better, or not? Is another wording the solution? And if so, what wording?
That MPs hesitate, that they ask themselves questions, that’s normal, it’s even a good sign. Rather than the battle to be the first to legislate, this is what we should perhaps remember: this mixture of determination and prudence. Determination, to finally reduce rape, and prudence, to find the right method, not just looking for a symbol. A good version of the political debate.
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**How might the proposed legal definition of “consent” impact the way rape cases are investigated and prosecuted in France, both positively and negatively?**
## World Today News: Interview on Consent and the Penal Code
**Welcoming Remarks:**
Good evening, and welcome to World Today News. Tonight, we’re diving into a crucial and complex topic: the proposed inclusion of “consent” in the French penal code, specifically related to rape cases. We’re joined by two esteemed guests tonight: [Guest 1 Name], a legal expert specializing in gender-based violence, and [Guest 2 Name], a sociologist who studies power dynamics and social movements.
**Section 1: The Proposal and its Reception**
* [Host]: [Guest 1 Name], let’s start with the basics. What does this proposal by La France Insoumise aim to achieve by introducing the concept of explicit consent into the penal code? What are its intended benefits, as its proponents see it?
* [Host]: [Guest 2 Name], the article mentions criticism from both the left and the right regarding this proposal. What are some of the main concerns raised about the timing and method of introducing such a significant change to the law?
**Section 2: The Debates Surrounding Consent**
* [Host]: [Guest 1 Name], the article highlights the argument that introducing “consent” could lead to better recognition of victims and facilitate justice. Can you elaborate on that? How might this change the way rape cases are investigated and prosecuted?
* [Host]: Clementine Autain, a former member of La France Insoumise, argues that “consent is an ambiguous word” and introducing it could actually harm victims. [Guest 2 Name], what are your thoughts on this perspective? Are there potential downsides to focusing solely on a legal definition of consent?
**Section 3: Seeking Solutions & Moving Forward**
* [Host]: Both our guests acknowledge the complexities surrounding this issue. [Guest 1 Name], beyond legal changes, what other societal shifts are necessary to address the root causes of sexual violence and support survivors?
* [Host]: [Guest 2 Name], the article mentions a need for ”prudence” alongside determination in approaching this issue. What recommendations do you have for lawmakers and policymakers as they grapple with this sensitive and important debate?
**Concluding Remarks:**
Thank you to both our guests for sharing their valuable insights on this critical issue. As this debate unfolds, it’s clear that finding the right balance between protecting rights, achieving justice, and addressing the complex social dynamics involved is paramount.
**Call to Action:**
We encourage our viewers to engage with this discussion further. Share your thoughts and perspectives on social media using the hashtag #ConsentDebate.
