Marion Maréchal, the leader of the Reconquest list for the European elections, has found herself at the center of a heated controversy concerning transidentity. Speaking on France Inter, she reaffirmed her stance on the biological reality of gender, stating, 'I will not allow myself to be intimidated by the legal threats of these LGBT activity activists.' This comes in the wake of a complaint filed against her by six associations defending LGBT rights, following comments about Cannes award-winning transgender actress Karla Sofia Gascón.
The Spanish actress, along with Americans Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana and Mexican actress Adriana Paz, received a joint actress prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for their roles in the film 'Emilia Perez,' directed by Jacques Audiard. Marion Maréchal reacted on social media, stating that progress for the left equates to 'the erasure of women and mothers.'
Despite the complaint, Maréchal remained steadfast in her views during her appearance on France Inter. She expressed her discontent with a women's prize being awarded to a transgender individual, reiterating, 'What I deplore about this affair is to have a prize which should be reserved for a woman, to be given to a man, regardless of whether he is transgender.'
The associations Mousse, Stop Homophobia, Familles LGBT, Adheos, Quazar, and Fédération LBGTI+ announced their joint filing of a complaint in Paris for 'insulting based on gender identity.' According to their lawyer, Maître Étienne Deshoulières, Maréchal's remarks 'deny the very existence of transgender people, as well as the violence and discrimination to which these people are victims on a daily basis.'
Karla Sofia Gascón, who transitioned at the age of 46 and now 52, portrays a ruthless Mexican drug lord in 'Emilia Perez' who decides to transition and become a woman. This role earned her the distinction of being the first trans woman to win this prize at Cannes. Dedicating her award to 'all trans people who suffer,' Gascón highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community.
Statistical data underscores the prevalent issues of discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals. A study by the French Ministry of the Interior revealed a significant rise in reported crimes and offenses against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people in recent years. In 2023, there were 2,870 recorded instances, marking a 19% increase from 2022—a year that had already seen a 13% rise.
- In an emotional address, Karla Sofia Gascón dedicated her Cannes award to the transgender community, stating it represents a victory for 'all trans people who suffer.' Her role in 'Emilia Perez' not only showcased her talent but also served as a platform to raise awareness about transgender issues.
- Maréchal's comments ignited a broader debate on the rights and recognition of transgender individuals in society. Public figures, including ecologist Sandrine Rousseau, criticized Maréchal's stance, emphasizing that 'Trans women are women. Trans men are men. As true as fascists are fascists.'
- Marguerite Stern, an activist and author of the controversial work 'Transmania,' defended Maréchal by criticizing the concept of punishing individuals for scientifically acknowledging chromosomal sex differences.
- The broader societal implications of this controversy reflect an ongoing struggle between fostering inclusivity and navigating differing perspectives on gender identity. France's legal framework condemns discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, carrying penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of 45,000 euros.
