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(Image source: TLC)
BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT
Looks like France won't be getting its own version of "Toddlers and Tiaras" any time
soon.
The French Senate has approved a ban that would prevent girls under the age of 16 from
competing in beauty pageants. (Via TLC)
And violators will get quite the punishment — any adult who tries to enter a child into
a pageant could face up to two years in prison and a hefty 30,000-euro — or more than $40,000
— fine. (Via The Telegraph)
The Senate passed the ban as an amendment to a larger bill that's aimed at increasing
gender equality. It will now go to the National Assembly for discussion and another vote.
Support for a potential ban started building after French Vogue published a photo spread
in December 2010 featuring a 10-year-old girl in a tight dress, high heels, and makeup.
(Via ABC)
Vogue argued the photos were supposed to capture a fantasy all young girls have — to dress
up and be like their mothers. But the spread sparked backlash. (Via WBNS)
The outrage later prompted the French government to look into the situation.
One senator wrote a report on the issue last year and called for the ban on beauty pageants
for girls under 16 and a ban on child-size adult clothing, like padded bras and high
heels. (Via BBC)
The senators who voted in favor of the ban say it will protect children from being prematurely
sexualized through the use of heavy makeup and provocative clothing. (Via WTSP)