French lawmakers vote for sweeping legislation to combat sexual violence

French lawmakers in the National Assembly have voted in favour of a sweeping bill designed to tackle sexual and gender-based violence across the country. France 24 and Modern Ghana both reported that members of Parliament passed the comprehensive legislation, which aims to curb high rates of abuse. [1][2]

France 24 reported that a child in France is reportedly raped or sexually assaulted every three minutes. The newly passed measure was introduced in an effort to put an end to sexual and gender-based violence across the nation. [1]

Members of Parliament, known as deputies, serve as the legislators in the National Assembly, which acts as the lower house of the French Parliament. The National Assembly currently consists of 577 elected deputies representing constituencies across France and overseas. [4]

The comprehensive measure could turn into law by the end of the year, according to France 24. The legislation has yet to be debated by the more conservative Senate, which is scheduled to consider the bill at the end of the month. [1]