French MPs hope the measures will help cut domestic violence

The law, which aims to prevent forced marriages, makes the age limit the same as that for men.

Tougher penalties for marital rape and assault will now be extended to partners and ex-partners in general.

MPs also backed measures to counter sex tourism, child pornography and female circumcision.

It will also become an offence to confiscate travel or identity documents to prevent a partner leaving.

The law on theft is also being amended: until now it has been impossible to bring theft charges against one spouse stealing from another.