The text completes article 223-15-2 of the penal code, which punishes abuse of weakness. It extends it to cases where the particular vulnerability or dependence of the person, apparent or known to the perpetrator, is due to the precariousness of their economic or social situation and led them to perform a sexual act, sought for the benefit of the perpetrator or a third party, in exchange for housing, accommodation or a rental advantage.
The Senate unanimously adopted a bill aimed at better punishing offers of housing or accommodation in exchange for a sexual act.
Numerous ads of this type proliferate on social networks and real estate listing sites. They target people in great precariousness, particularly women.
The Senate's unanimous vote enshrines this extension of abuse of weakness to situations of rental dependence linked to precariousness.
The measure adopted thus aims to fill a gap when economic or social precariousness, known to the perpetrator, is exploited to obtain a sexual act in exchange for a roof.
A senator indicated that"current law is deficient"in punishing the authors of these ads,"because the available qualifications do not correspond to what the victims experience.".
The provisions of the penal code on sexual harassment constitute, according to her,"a path that works poorly,"because"it requires demonstrating pressure.".