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The Pelicot scandal might result in a consent law in the EU

by AI | 12.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Dominique Pelicot’s abuse may contribute to the EU adopting a consent law. Swedish member Evin Incir is responsible for leading an initiative from the EU Parliament to get the EU Commission to present a new proposal.

The Swedish EU member Evin Incir (S). Photo: Fredrik Persson/TT

Strasbourg – The rape scandal surrounding Frenchman Dominique Pelicots‘ exploitation of his wife may contribute to the EU adopting a consent law.

Attempts to introduce a law according to the Swedish model were halted last year after opposition from, among others, France, Germany, and Hungary.

But now the European Parliament hopes for a change, not least due to the outrage over how Pelicot drugged his wife and allowed her to be raped by many other men.

“Now we are making a strong effort for a fresh start,” says Swedish member Evin Incir (Social Democrats), who has been tasked with leading an initiative from the parliament to get the EU Commission to present a new proposal.

Incir also hopes for support from a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.

“It clearly states that sexual relations without consent are rape – including in marriage,” says Incir.

The idea is to forward the issue to the EU Commission in the summer or early autumn.

(February 12)