Archive · 2 Jul 2025
French Lawmakers Demand Action After Catholic School Abuse Allegations
Some lawmakers in France are saying that private schools, especially Catholic ones, need to be watched more closely because of abuse allegations.
A report found that children were hurt by adults at a school called Notre-Dame de Betharram and other schools.
The report wants the government to help the victims of the abuse and to make sure it doesn't happen again.
They want to remove the time limit for reporting abuse and to do more inspections.
There is a debate about the Prime Minister's role in the scandal.
The lawmakers believe schools need better rules to protect kids.
French lawmakers call for better regulation of private schools following decades of abuse allegations.
A parliamentary report details physical and sexual abuse allegations against staff and religious members at Notre-Dame de Betharram and other schools.
The report recommends scrapping the statute of limitations for child abuse cases and creating a victim compensation fund.
Lawmakers also propose regular, unannounced inspections of schools and enhanced staff training.
The scandal has taken a political dimension, with accusations against Prime Minister François Bayrou.
- Who
- Lawmakers Paul Vannier and Violette Spillebout; former pupils; government spokesperson Sophie Primas.
- What
- Lawmakers are calling for better regulation of private schools and action regarding abuse of pupils in France.
- When
- The report was published on Wednesday.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- Due to allegations of decades of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, within Catholic schools and to prevent future incidents.
Victims and Lawmakers
Government
Statute of Limitations for Abuse
Victims and Lawmakers
Advocate for the complete removal of the statute of limitations for abuse against minors to allow all victims to seek justice.
Government
The government and other relevant parties have not publicly stated opposition to this.
Political Accountability
Victims and Lawmakers
Accuse Prime Minister François Bayrou of not being truthful about his knowledge of the abuse scandal.
Government
Bayrou denies any wrongdoing and says he was unaware of the abuse.
- Report Findings
- Physical and sexual abuse at Notre-Dame de Betharram and other schools
- Complaints Filed
- Approximately 250 complaints
- Alleged Perpetrators
- At least 26 individuals
- Victim Compensation
- Lawmakers want the state to create a fund.
- Statute of Limitations
- Lawmakers seek to remove it for child abuse.
- Schools Affected
- Private Catholic schools, including Notre-Dame de Betharram (Le Beau Rameau).