the Senate adopts a text criticized by the Republicans, ultimately disapproved by the government

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This bill plans to severely restrict the access of minor transgender people to hormonal treatments and medical procedures.

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A demonstration in Paris, May 5, 2024. (MAYLIS ROLLAND / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP)

The Senate adopted a text aimed at regulating gender transitions before the age of 18, a Republican initiative fiercely condemned by the left and associations, and ultimately disapproved by the government despite a certain hesitation.

The bill from Senator LR Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, adopted by 180 votes to 136, notably provides for a ban on hormonal treatments for minors and strict control of prescriptions for “puberty blockers”, these molecules which make it possible to suspend the development of secondary sexual characteristics (chest, voice, hair).

The text wishes “avoid minors questioning gender [le risque de] regretting medical treatments or sex reassignment surgery following a wrong diagnosis”said Senator LR, sparking protests from the left. “The real problems you have is that trans people exist and there is nothing you can do to stop it”retorted the ecologist Mélanie Vogel.

The text was adopted thanks to the almost unanimous votes of the LR-centrist alliance, a majority in the Senate. The left and the Macronist group opposed it, while the Independents group, with a majority Horizons, did not participate in the vote.

Several Renaissance parliamentarians had co-signed, with left-wing elected officials, a column published Tuesday by The New Obs denouncing a “transphobic offensive”. The debates were an opportunity for the government to clarify its position, while vagueness reigned until the end of the evening over its precise intentions. The Minister Delegate in charge of Health, Frédéric Valletoux, after listening to all the political groups, finally rejected the initiative outright, denouncing “a totally dogmatic, subjective approach, where medical and scientific arguments have little importance”.

The text has now been sent to the National Assembly, but there is currently no assurance that it will be examined there.


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