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France: child protection and limitation periods for sexual crimes

This dossier follows the child protection bill’s provisions on limitation periods for sexual crimes against minors, parliamentary votes and the steps required before they take effect.

Last updated : 1 key moments
Luxembourg Palace, home of the Senate, June 2014. Archive illustration; the October 2026 vote is not depicted.
Luxembourg Palace, home of the Senate, June 2014. Archive illustration; the October 2026 vote is not depicted. — Parsifall / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ; 1er juin 2014, redimensionnement.

Where things stand

On the evening of 28 October 2026, the Senate restores the removal of limitation periods by 252 votes to 80. The parliamentary process is not complete; the measure is not yet presented as in force.

Confirmed

French Senate restores removal of limitation periods for sexual crimes against minors

The French Senate restored a provision removing limitation periods for sexual crimes against minors on the evening of 28 October 2026. The 252–80 vote came during consideration of the child protection bill.

Luxembourg Palace, home of the Senate, June 2014. Archive illustration; the October 2026 vote is not depicted.
Luxembourg Palace, home of the Senate, June 2014. Archive illustration; the October 2026 vote is not depicted. — Parsifall / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ; 1er juin 2014, redimensionnement.

Article 11 bis A had been adopted by the National Assembly and then deleted in the Senate committee. The public vote and official record establish its restoration, supported by the government.

The debate weighed the time some victims need before speaking against concerns about preserving evidence and defence rights. This is a parliamentary step: the bill must continue through the legislative process before any entry into force. It does not mean all limitation periods have already been abolished.

Sources 3