Women and men have demonstrated together in Paris and other French cities in support of Gisèle Pélicot and against sexual violence.

Consent-based rape law already exists in Germany, Britain and other European countries. After Sweden introduced it in 2018, accompanied by a campaign to stress that “Sex is always voluntary; if not, it’s a crime,” reported cases of rape surged, as did convictions. After a stomach-churning French trial, reform of the law would be a vindication. ■

Gisèle Pelicot’s case is resurfacing the subject of consent in France. Despite thousands of files of evidence, many of the men accused of raping her are still treating it as a grey area.

Women and men demonstrated together Saturday in Paris and other French cities in support of Gisèle Pélicot and against sexual violence highlighted by the harrowing trial of her ex-husband and dozens of other men accused of rapes while she was drugged and unconscious.

Women and men demonstrated together Saturday in Paris and other French cities in support of Gisle Plicot and against sexual violence highlighted by the harrowing trial of her ex-husband and dozens of other men being prosecuted for rapes while she was deliberately drugged and knocked unconscious.

During the trial, in which Pélicot has faced 51 of her alleged rapists, she has been praised for her composure and decision to keep the hearings public.