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Harassment against vulnerable individuals, verbal attacks by malicious individuals, and humiliating acts that take place on public transportation are now considered crimes by law. The French National Assembly has approved a decision to impose stricter penalties for sexist insults. According to this decision, the maximum fine for those engaging in sexist behavior has been increased from 1,500 euros to 3,750 euros.
In France, gender-based attacks are defined as "any sexual or sexist word or action" and any actions that aim to create a "threatening, hostile, aggressive" atmosphere. Severe sexist insults are considered harassment against vulnerable individuals, insults by those abusing their authority, and verbal attacks that occur on public transportation.
This parliamentary decision makes the street harassment law that came into effect in August 2018 even more stringent. "Severe gender-based insults," which were not previously considered crimes, are now treated as offenses. Additionally, any gender-based insult directed at individuals under the age of 18 will be classified as "severe." Reports will also be accepted through video calls to encourage victims to come forward.
This provision sparked intense debates and inter-party tensions before being passed in the Assembly with 170 votes in favor and 28 against. The left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) did not support the proposal, citing that it was "insufficient in addressing gender discrimination issues."
