France to introduce new legislation on gender‑based violence after Lyhanna case

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that ministers will meet on Tuesday to expand a child‑protection bill and speed up the Council of State review of a trans‑partisan draft law targeting gender‑based violence. He described the death of the 11‑year‑old victim in the Lyhanna case as a “drama that inspires horror” and said the upcoming cabinet meeting will add measures through both legislative and regulatory routes.

The proposed changes build on an existing draft presented in December by deputy Céline Thiébault‑Martinez, which contains 79 provisions aimed at a comprehensive fight against sexual and gender‑based violence. A separate framework bill of 53 measures, announced by Equality Minister Aurore Bergé for late 2025, is also expected to be integrated into the legislative agenda. Both texts have faced delays in Parliament, prompting activists and lawmakers to push for faster debate and adoption.