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France 24
France 24
National
Benjamin DODMAN

Outrage in France as Macron appoints senator who fought gay marriage to key rights job

French Senator François-Noël Buffet arrives for his Senate hearing following his candidacy to become the country's new Defender of Rights, on July 21, 2026.
French Senator François-Noël Buffet opposed a bill legalising marriage for same-sex couples but says his views have since "evolved". © Lou Benoist, AFP

French lawmakers on Tuesday narrowly approved President Emmanuel Macron’s candidate to serve as Défenseur des droits (human rights ombdusman), despite vehement opposition from groups arguing that Senator François-Noël Buffet’s views run counter to the mission of defending the rights of the most vulnerable.

France has a new human rights ombudsman – tasked with defending certain rights that he previously fought in parliament.

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