The catholic opposition to gender and sexual equality in France: Reviving the traditional condemnation of homosexuality during the debates on marriage for all?

Abstract

In France, the passing of the Marriage for All Act (2012-13) gave rise to the expression of and confrontation between radically divergent stances. Among the opponents to the bill, Catholics (some bishops and lay activists) appeared indeed as key players, for they considered the bill a threat to the family. Above all, they put forward the argument of rights-children's rights in particular-articulating them with the idea of equality. By doing so, they adopted a secular rhetoric. How can this reorientation in language be analyzed? Does it reflect profound changes or merely constitute a reformulation of the traditional condemnation of homosexuality? Is it a simple tactic or a real inflection in the relationship to homosexuality? This chapter aims to provide answers to these questions.