This video explains that the notion of «sexual majority» does not legally exist as such in France. The law does not set a single age below which sexual relations are automatically prohibited. The only recognized age of majority is 18.
The age of 15 frequently comes up in public debate because it corresponds to an important legal threshold: below the age of 15, a minor is presumed not to be able to consent to a sexual relationship with an adult. Any sexual relationship between an adult and a minor under the age of 15 is therefore illegal. Above the age of 15, sexual relations between an adult and a minor may be legal, provided there are no family ties, ties of authority or sexual offenses.
The law does not prohibit sexual relations between minors, even under the age of 15, as long as there is no violence, coercion, threat or surprise involved. Two teenagers of the same age can therefore have consensual sexual relations without legal intervention. However, as soon as there is a significant imbalance in age or maturity, or if coercion is involved, the relationship becomes illegal.
The video emphasizes the central role of discernment and consent, which are assessed by judges on a case-by-case basis. This approach aims to protect minors without systematically criminalizing their sexuality, while enabling intervention when situations of danger or violence are identified.