French Constitutional Council to rule on assisted dying and social media bans

The French Constitutional Council is set to issue several high-stakes rulings by the end of August, addressing sensitive societal and security issues. Key matters include the legality of assisted dying, the prohibition of social media for children under 15, agricultural emergency laws regarding pesticides, and security legislation.

Regarding the right to assisted dying, the Council faces challenges concerning the proposed two-day reflection period for patients and whether medical facilities can invoke a collective conscience clause. Constitutional expert Anne-Charlène Bezzina noted that a collective conscience clause might be incompatible with the principle of the general and absolute application of law.

On social media, the Council will evaluate whether banning access for those under 15 infringes upon the freedom of expression for minors. Additionally, the Council will review agricultural legislation that may allow the conditional return of certain neonicotinoid pesticides, specifically looking for potential ‘legislative rider’ violations.

Council President Richard Ferrand has emphasized the institution's independence, stating, “Our decisions are never political. They are always legal,” in response to increasing political pressure and partisan scrutiny.