France’s Senate adopted the government’s child protection bill on Tuesday, November 3, following its approval by the National Assembly earlier this year. The legislation includes a provision to remove the statute of limitations for sexual crimes committed against minors and to strengthen checks on the criminal records of people working with children, including in after-school services.
The bill was initially intended to reform child welfare services, with an emphasis on foster care rather than institutional placements. It was later expanded to include criminal justice measures amid debates prompted by cases of violence against children. The legislation passed with broad support, while left-wing senators abstained and criticized the absence of additional funding for child protection.
The Senate approved the provision on sexual crimes by a large majority. If adopted in its final form, it would allow prosecutions to be brought without a time limit. The two chambers still disagree on the scope of the measure: the Senate’s version applies only to sexual crimes.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the vote marked another step in reforming the child protection system. Minister Delegate for the Fight Against Discrimination Aurore Bergé described the measure as a “historic advance,” saying that many children had been unable to seek justice.
Members of the National Assembly and Senate are due to meet in a joint committee in the coming weeks to seek an agreed version of the bill before any possible final adoption. The Senate also strengthened the government’s proposed checks on the judicial records of people working with children. A separate bill addressing sexual and sexist violence, already approved by the National Assembly, is scheduled for consideration by the Senate in January.
Sources: Le Monde.