French official endures catcalls from lawmakers

Associated Press

PARIS

The hooting and catcalls began as soon as the Cabinet minister stood, wearing a blue-and-white flowered dress. It did not cease for the entire time she spoke before France’s National Assembly. And the heckling came not from an unruly crowd, but from male legislators who later said they merely were showing their appreciation on a warm summer’s day.

Cecile Duflot, the housing minister, faltered very slightly, and then continued with her prepared remarks about an urban- development project in Paris.

“Ladies and gentlemen, but mostly gentlemen, obviously,” she said in a firm voice as hoots rang out. She completed the statement on her ministry and again sat down. None of the men in suits who preceded her got the same treatment from the deputies, and the reaction was extraordinary enough to draw television commentary and headlines for days afterward.

On Tuesday, the same French Assembly took up a new law on sexual harassment, more than two months after a court struck down the previous statute, saying it was too vague and failed to protect women. In the meantime, there has been nothing. All cases that were pending when the law was struck down May 4 were thrown out. And, without a law, there can be no new cases.

The government, keenly aware of the lack of protection since the May 4 court decision, has pressed for a quick vote. It already has passed the Senate. The two versions ultimately will have to be reconciled before a final vote next week.

“Women are very, very, very harassed, and they don’t dare say it,” said Helene Reboisson, a former jeweler who said she supported the law. “Men have the power. It will take several years for us women.”

Under the new proposal, sexual harassment will be a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison. In the United States, it’s a civil offense usually punishable by fines.

But in a culture where hissing at women on the street is considered a sign of approval and sexual banter is often a workplace norm, Guenifi said the law could be a hard sell for women under pressure to keep their jobs in a difficult economy.