 Paris, 23 March (AKI) - The French parliament has passed a law that increases from 15 to 18 the age at which females may marry - the same age limit already in place for men. The law, which aims to prevent forced marriages, also extends harsher penalties for marital rape and assault to partners and ex-partners. | Gee, I wonder who this law is aimed at? |
Centre-right politicians have hailed the legislation as an important step forward for women's rights, while the opposition regretted that it did not go far enough, French daily Le Monde reported.
MPs also backed measures to counter sex tourism, child pornography and female circumcision. It will also become an offence to confiscate travel or identity documents to prevent a partner leaving. |