France Votes to End 'Marital Duty' in Civil Code

France just took a major step forward in protecting women's rights within marriage. Lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that officially ends the outdated notion of "marital duty," clarifying once and for all that saying "I do" doesn't mean saying yes to sex.

The bill, backed by more than 120 members of parliament from across political parties, updates France's civil code with simple but powerful language. It states clearly that living together as spouses creates no obligation to have sexual relations.

This might sound obvious in 2026, but French law had a problematic gray area. The civil code lists four marital duties: fidelity, support, assistance, and cohabitation. While it never explicitly mentioned sexual obligation, older court rulings sometimes interpreted "cohabitation" as implying a "shared bed."

That interpretation had real consequences. In 2019, a French man successfully divorced his wife on the grounds that she stopped having sex with him. A court ruled she was "at fault" for the marriage's failure.

His ex-wife fought back, taking the case to Europe's top rights court. Last year, the court ruled in her favor, stating that refusing sex should never make a woman "at fault" in divorce proceedings.

Women's rights advocates celebrated that decision but pushed for stronger protections. They argued that the lingering concept of "marital duty" undermined sexual consent and provided cover for marital rape.

The Ripple Effect

France's move continues a broader European shift toward consent-based laws. Just last year, France updated its legal definition of rape to include the principle of consent, joining the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.

The bill now heads to France's Senate for final approval. With unanimous support in the National Assembly and backing from across the political spectrum, it's expected to pass.

This legislative change does more than update old language. It reinforces a fundamental truth: consent doesn't disappear at the altar. Every person has the right to say no, regardless of their relationship status or living situation.

For countless women who've felt pressured or coerced within their own marriages, this law sends a clear message that French society stands with them.

Marriage should be built on mutual respect and freely given affection, not outdated obligations from another era.