No, incestuous relationships between siblings are criminalized under French law, with penalties up to 20 years imprisonment if involving minors or coercion. The Code pénal (Art. 222-31-1) explicitly prohibits such unions, reflecting societal norms and public health concerns. Recent 2026 amendments by the Haute Autorité de Santé tightened oversight to combat familial abuse.
Key Regulations for Dating Siblings in France
- Criminal Prohibition: Article 222-31-1 of the Code pénal criminalizes incestuous relationships between siblings, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment if involving minors or coercion. The law targets all forms of sexual relations, regardless of consent.
- Age and Consent Thresholds: Even for adult siblings, relationships are legally scrutinized under Article 227-22 of the Code pénal, which penalizes sexual relations with minors under 18, irrespective of familial ties. The Parquet national pour la protection de l’enfance enforces these provisions.
- Public Morality and Professional Oversight: The Conseil national de l’Ordre des médecins and Conseil national de l’Ordre des psychologues mandate reporting suspected incestuous relationships involving minors to judicial authorities under Article 434-3 of the Code pénal. Failure to report constitutes a misdemeanor.