Outrage in France as Macron Appoints Senator Who Fought Gay Marriage to Key Rights Job
Lawmakers backed the 62-year-old senator by 43 votes to 39 despite criticism that his record could weaken the watchdog’s independence.
- On Tuesday, lawmakers in the National Assembly and Senate backed Senator François-Noël Buffet as France's new Defender of Rights, approving President Emmanuel Macron's nominee by 43 votes to 39.
- Buffet, a 62-year-old senator, faces scrutiny for campaigning against same-sex marriage and opposing legislation allowing medically assisted reproduction for single women and lesbian couples.
- During a tense hearing before the National Assembly's Legal Affairs Committee last week, lawmakers accused him of a history of "racist and homophobic votes," while staff expressed "dismay" at his appointment.
- The Inter-LGBT described the appointment as "yet further evidence of the Élysée's contempt for LGBTQIA+ people," warning that a vital bulwark shielding minority rights faces undermining.
- Although Buffet stated he has "evolved" on "a number of issues" and promised "total independence," observers remain wary of his close alignment with hardline former interior minister Bruno Retailleau.
18 Articles
18 Articles
François-Noël Buffet's conservative profile worries. In his new position, he will have to ignore his past positions in order to fulfil his mission of defending and guaranteeing rights and freedoms.
The conservative profile of Jean-Noël Buffet worries the progressives, who see the Defender of Rights as an "essential counter-power" (Le Monde) and fantasy about a country in the process of fascisation. Jean-Noël Buffet, Senator Les Républicains du Rhône, thus becomes the new Defender of Rights, succeeding Claire Hudon, who arrived at the end of his six-year term. Senator Buffet's candidacy was proposed by Emmanuel Macron, and this choice was e…
France's Macron gives human rights job to anti-gay marriage senator
France has appointed a new human rights ombudsman who spent years opposing the very rights he is now tasked with defending. Right-wing senator François-Noël Buffet was narrowly approved as the country’s Défenseur des droits on Tuesday, with lawmakers backing Emmanuel Macron‘s nominee by 43 votes to 39. The Défenseur des droits is an independent watchdog […] The post Macron gives human rights role to senator who campaigned against gay marriage in…
Outrage in France as Macron appoints senator who fought gay marriage to key rights job
French lawmakers on Tuesday narrowly approved President Emmanuel Macron’s candidate to serve as Défenseur des droits (human rights ombdusman), despite vehement opposition from groups arguing that Senator François-Noël Buffet’s views run counter to the mission of defending the rights of the most vulnerable.
While the well-known former minister and conservative must take over from Claire Hédon, on Tuesday 21 July eight civil organizations mobilized to question the parliamentarians, who were hearing him.
On Tuesday, 21 July, Parliament confirmed the appointment of Senator LR François-Noël Buffet as Defender of Rights, despite opposition from the world of associations.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
