France updates rape law to a consent-based definition

France updated its rape law to define it as any non-consensual sexual act, shifting from a force-based definition. The new law defines consent as freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable, and it cannot be inferred from silence. This change follows a high-profile rape trial and aims to combat rape culture. While France joins countries like Germany and Spain in adopting consent-based laws, others, including Italy and South Korea, still primarily use force-based definitions, though some are considering reforms.