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.
15 Articles
15 Articles
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.
French Senator François-Noël Buffet awaits before his hearing following his candidacy for the post of Defender of Rights, proposed by the President of the Republic, in the Senate in Paris, on 21 July 2026.: Photo Lou BENOIST / AFP The new Defender of Rights imposed by Emmanuel Macron is a fervent defender of the police that nourishes obsessions towards migrants and foreigners. How could he be appointed to this post? On the right! Chosen by Emman…
The day of Tuesday was apparently that of the arms of honour. First, the confirmation by the Parliament of Senator LR François-Noël Buffet to the post of Defender of Rights. Rights would be better said. Marriage for all, immigration... He ticks all the boxes of reactionary policies. Then, these words of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu for the minister of...
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- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
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