In a high-profile case that's sparked all manner of controversy, prosecutors in France deemed a sexual encounter between an 11-year-old girl and a 28-year-old-man was consensual, igniting outrage across the country.
According to early reports, the older man accused will only be charged with sexual abuse of a minor rather than rape, due to the absurd idea that he did not physically force the little girl to have sex with him.
The man reportedly suggested that the girl follow him home from a park in Montmagny, which is north of Paris. Initially, the man had promised to teach the girl how to kiss, but once at the apartment, the man had sexual relations with the child.
In response, the 11-year-old's family insisted that the man face the charges of rape, claiming that the girl was "paralyzed" by fear and "unable to defend herself."
Despite the common sense validity of the family's case, prosecutors reasoned that "there was no violence, no constraint, no threat, and no surprise" on the part of the defendant to make him eligible for a rape charge.
All of this nonsense came from the basis that the girl had not been physically forced to engage in a sexual act.
But the girl's mother has continued to assert that her daughter was, in fact, raped. While speaking with French outlet Mediapart, the mother said, "She thought it was too late, that she didn't have the right to protest, that it wouldn't make any difference, so she went into autopilot, without emotion and without reaction."
Children's rights groups are now challenging the case, as well as France's odd consent laws. According to the current laws, rape is classified by attacking, threatening, constraining, or thrusting oneself upon the victim. Even more absurd is the age of consent in France, which is 15.
Armelle Le Bigot Macaux, head of the Cofrade children's rights group, told LCI television: "It's truly terrifying to think that an 11-year-old girl is supposed to have the judgment of an adult."
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