France's National Assembly unanimously adopted a bill aimed at boosting protections for children against violence in schools and after-school activities on June 1, 2026, with 187 votes in favor and none against shortly before midnight [1].
The legislation seeks to enhance oversight of adults working with children across educational and extracurricular settings and to tighten regulation of private schools [1]. The bill was drafted by lawmakers Violette Spillebout of the Renaissance party and Paul Vannier from France Unbowed/LFI [1].
This law follows a parliamentary inquiry prompted by allegations of abuse at the private Catholic Notre-Dame de Betharram school near Pau. The inquiry examined what senior officials, including former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, may have known about the allegations [1].
Lawmakers removed a controversial amendment that would have required religious ministers to report abuse revealed during confession, thereby preserving the confidentiality of the sacrament [1].
The legislation is a response to rising public concerns over child safety in educational institutions amid a series of abuse allegations across France [1]. The bill now moves on to the next stages in the legislative process before it can become law [1].
