The city of Lyon has announced the removal of Abbé Pierre's name from public spaces due to serious accusations of sexual assault against him. Green mayor Grégory Doucet stated that this decision reflects the city's commitment to combat all forms of sexist and sexual violence. The renaming of Place Abbé Pierre in the 9th arrondissement will involve consultations with local stakeholders, with a decision expected at a future city council meeting.
The recent revelations of multiple sexual violence accusations have prompted various communities to seek the renaming of places associated with Abbé Pierre, a prominent figure in the fight against poor housing. A statue of Abbé Pierre was recently toppled in Norges-la-Ville, the location of the second Emmaüs community in France.
Discussions are also underway regarding the removal of Abbé Pierre from the 'Fresque des Lyonnais,' a well-known trompe-l'oeil mural depicting famous figures from Lyon. The City of Lyon is prepared to support this removal, pending the decision of the co-ownership of the mural.
Additionally, Lyon plans to establish a history committee to address requests for name changes and broader issues of memory in the city's public spaces. Currently, there are approximately 150 streets or places in France named after Abbé Pierre or his birth name, Henri Grouès.
