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France Abolishes 'Marital Duty' in Landmark Consent Reform

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 28, 2026, French lawmakers unanimously approved a bill eliminating the concept of 'marital duty'.
The bill clarifies that marriage does not obligate spouses to have sex.
Over 120 MPs backed the bill to address consent ambiguities in marriage.
The reform follows a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights condemning France over sex-based divorce grounds, and the Senate will review it before it becomes law.

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Story summary

On January 28, 2026, French lawmakers unanimously approved a bill eliminating the concept of 'marital duty'.
The bill clarifies that marriage does not obligate spouses to have sex.
Over 120 MPs backed the bill to address consent ambiguities in marriage.
The reform follows a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights condemning France over sex-based divorce grounds, and the Senate will review it before it becomes law.