Parliamentary coalition splits over protections for foreign women in gender-based violence bill

A broad legislative package addressing gender-based violence against women and children reached its seventh and final day of first-reading scrutiny in the National Assembly. While the text includes reforms in justice, health and labour, two clauses concerning foreign women caused a rift in the trans-partisan coalition. One clause would prevent authorities from issuing a forced departure order to anyone who has lodged a sexual-violence complaint while their case is pending.

The other would grant work-authorization rights to asylum seekers who have filed such complaints. Advocacy groups argue these measures protect vulnerable foreign women whose residency often depends on a spouse. The disagreement split the alliance of deputies from across the political spectrum, leaving only the far-right and La France insoumise outside the coalition.