In the aftermath of French President Emmanuel Macron’s defeat in the European elections to the far-right National Rally (RN) on June 9, there has been a disturbing rise in politically motivated attacks on LGBTQ individuals. Rights groups are increasingly concerned that if the far right gains power in the forthcoming snap parliamentary elections, protective laws for LGBTQ people could be dismantled, and violent attacks could become more frequent and legitimized.
European Election Upset
On the evening of June 9, the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, secured a decisive victory in the European elections with 31.5% of the vote, nearly double that of Macron’s coalition. The results have intensified fears within the LGBTQ community about their safety and rights.
Violent Assault in Paris
In a troubling incident that evening, three supporters of Le Pen and a member of the far-right student group Groupe Union Défense (GUD) assaulted a 19-year-old man in Paris. The attackers, armed with a stick and a belt, hurled homophobic slurs and physically assaulted the young man. The attackers were arrested shortly after the assault, during which they made explicit references to National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, suggesting more violence if the far-right comes to power.
LGBTQ Community in Fear
Following Macron’s announcement of snap parliamentary elections and the dissolution of the current National Assembly, the LGBTQ community in France is on high alert. The possibility of a far-right prime minister has heightened fears of increased homophobic and transphobic violence. Incidents like the one in Paris, as well as threats received by LGBTQ business owners, underscore the climate of fear that has been instilled.
Rise in Homophobic and Transphobic Attacks
Data from the French Ministry of the Interior shows a 13% increase in anti-LGBTQ offenses in 2023 compared to 2022, with violent attacks rising by 19%. The LGBTQ community fears that these numbers will continue to climb if the far right gains more political power.
National Rally’s Controversial Stance
Despite attempts by Marine Le Pen to soften the National Rally’s image, the party’s record on LGBTQ rights remains troubling. Le Pen has consistently opposed measures such as allowing lesbian couples access to assisted reproductive techniques. The party’s voting history in the European Parliament further illustrates its opposition to LGBTQ rights.
Potential Legal and Social Consequences
LGBTQ advocates warn of significant legal and social consequences if the far right gains power. Proposed legislation to ban hormone treatments for transgender minors is a concrete example of the threats facing LGBTQ rights. Additionally, there is concern that a far-right government could embolden individuals to commit acts of violence with impunity.
Urgent Call for Action
As the first round of parliamentary elections approaches on June 30, followed by the final vote on July 7, LGBTQ rights groups are urging vigilance and action. The outcome of these elections could have profound implications for the safety and rights of LGBTQ individuals in France.
The French LGBTQ community and their allies are calling on all citizens to recognize the gravity of the situation and to stand against the rise of hate and violence.
