French court validates assisted dying bill and strikes down under-15 social media ban
France's Constitutional Council has approved landmark end-of-life legislation while striking down a proposed social media ban for minors under 15.
France's Constitutional Council has validated landmark end-of-life legislation while striking down a proposed ban on social media for minors under 15.
In rulings issued on Friday, August 14, the council declared the assisted dying framework constitutional, subject to three interpretation reserves. Notably, these include a conscience clause permitting private and religious healthcare facilities to opt out of assisted dying procedures. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the decision, stating it completes "an exemplary democratic debate."
Concurrently, the court struck down the primary provision of a digital safety bill that aimed to ban children under 15 from social media. The justices ruled that the blanket prohibition was an excessive infringement on public liberties, effectively blocking a key legislative priority for the government.
Sources: Le Figaro, La Tribune, Libération, Le Monde, Politico Europe (Defense)
