France is to enshrine in law the end of so-called “conjugal rights” – the notion that marriage means a duty to have sex.
A bill approved on Wednesday in the National Assembly adds a clause to the country’s civil code to make clear that “community of living” does not create an “obligation for sexual relations”.
The proposed law also makes it impossible to use lack of sexual relations as an argument in fault-based divorce.
Though unlikely to have a major impact in the courts, supporters hope the law will help deter marital rape.
In what universe do you live in? Because in this one, it’s not the men who are being beaten, abused and raped in their own home by their own partner, is it? Look up surveys and studies, if you find this in any way surprising.
I fail to see your problem with “withholding intimacy”. Nobody is forced to consent to anything, and if someone no longer wants to have sex with you, then that relationship has very serious problems.
Lack of sex is a symptom, not the cause, and if you think it’s being used to “punish you”, then you need to take a step back and have a very long think about what is going on from your partner’s perspective. If you’re unable to do that, then find help - a therapist, a psychologist, a councillor, someone that is unbiased and that can help provide insights.
Ultimately, you may come to the realisation that your partner and you have needs that the other is not willing or able to meet, and that it’s time to go separate ways. Or you may both come out of it with a better understanding of each other, and live happier lives because of it.
But let me tell you, the fact that you assume that you’re being punished because you’re not getting sex, that’s one massive red flag.
I never inserted myself, but nice projection/straw manning there.
Edit: If you find the patience, revisit this comment some time later on. I will update it.