Politics · France · 1 day ago
French Assembly rejects measures in bill on sexual violence
France’s National Assembly is considering a bill aimed at tackling sexist and sexual violence.
On Friday, 9 October, lawmakers rejected a measure that would have barred deporting a person who had reported sexual violence.
The far-right National Rally opposed that measure, saying it could create an immigration route, and lawmakers from the governing-centre bloc also backed its removal.
The Assembly also rejected a proposal for dedicated leave for employees who are victims of sexual violence, though lawmakers requested a new debate on that measure.
The bill was brought forward by women’s and children’s rights groups, which criticised the votes as a setback for workplace rights and protections for foreign women.
One group has said that many foreign women who leave abusive partners lose their residency permits because their right to stay depends on living with their partner.
Lawmakers are due to reconsider the leave proposal and hold a final vote on the bill on Tuesday, 13 October.
The French National Assembly rejected several measures in a bill addressing sexist and sexual violence on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The rejected measures included a ban on ordering the deportation of sexual-violence victims who had filed a complaint.
Lawmakers also rejected a specific leave entitlement for employees who have experienced sexual violence.
The National Rally backed the rejections, while a coalition of feminist and child-rights groups criticised them.
A further vote on the leave measure and a vote on the bill as a whole were scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October.
- Who
- The French National Assembly rejected the measures. The National Rally supported the rejections.
- What
- Lawmakers rejected protections including a ban on deporting sexual-violence victims who filed complaints and specific leave for employees who experienced sexual violence.
- When
- Friday, 9 October 2026. A further vote on the leave measure and a vote on the bill were scheduled for 13 October.
- Where
- The National Assembly in Paris, France.
- Why
- The National Rally opposed the measures, saying the deportation protection could create an “immigration channel” and preferring that leave be handled through company agreements.
National Rally and supporters of removing the measures
Feminist and child-rights coalition behind the bill
Deportation protection
National Rally and supporters of removing the measures
Opposed the measure, arguing it could create an “immigration channel.
Feminist and child-rights coalition behind the bill
Criticised its rejection as a setback for the protection of foreign women.
Specific leave for employees
National Rally and supporters of removing the measures
Opposed a separate leave entitlement and favoured relying on company agreements.
Feminist and child-rights coalition behind the bill
Supported the measure as part of the bill’s protections for people affected by sexual violence.
immigration channel
this path could be misused by those who should be able to be sent back home
setback
rights at work and protection of foreign women
The National Assembly rejected the proposed ban on deporting sexual-violence victims who had filed complaints.
The Assembly rejected a specific leave entitlement for employees who had experienced sexual violence, and a new deliberation was requested.
A further deliberation on the leave measure and a vote on the bill as a whole were scheduled.
- Bill
- Proposal addressing sexist and sexual violence
- Deportation measure
- Ban on ordering deportation of sexual-violence victims who filed complaints
- Leave measure
- Specific leave for employees who experienced sexual violence
- Vote on bill
- Scheduled for 13 October 2026
- Foreign women
- Nearly 70% of foreign women assisted by specialist Cimade services lose their residence permits when they leave an abusive partner
Sources
Related news
Glucksmann wins France’s centre-left presidential primary
Mélenchon backs French high school protests and proposes voting at 16
Mathilde Panot rejects the Pink October cancer awareness campaign
Lescure says he hopes to avoid using orders to pass France’s 2027 budget
France promises 3,000 extra teachers amid student protests
France considers dissolving Alain Soral’s far-right association
French left invokes patriotism ahead of 2027 presidential election
UN voices concern over violence at French student protests
France’s 2027 presidential race remains uncertain
Mélenchon calls for abolishing Parcoursup and voting rights at 16
French student union leader says school protests should continue during holidays
