He detects proof that “mentalities are evolving”.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal referred to his homosexuality on Tuesday during one of the most solemn political moments, his general policy declaration to the National Assembly.
“Being French in 2024 means in a country which, only ten years ago, was still torn over marriage for all, to be able to be Prime Minister by openly assuming one's homosexuality,” he declared in the sentences closing of his speech.
“From all this, I see proof that our country is moving, proof that mentalities are changing,” he added.
Appointment welcomed by LGBT associations
Aged 34, Gabriel Attal saw his homosexuality revealed in 2018 in the book “Crépuscule” by lawyer Juan Branco, a former classmate at the Alsatian School in Paris.
He has since discussed his sexual orientation in several interviews, notably in the show “Sept à Huit” on TF1 in November.
He particularly regretted this “outing” which did not allow him to announce his homosexuality “when (he) wanted and in the way (he) wanted”.
Homosexuality, “I always considered that we could assume it without claiming it.
I wonder if carrying it like a banner would not contribute to making it something abnormal,” he told Closer in 2019.
The appointment of the former Minister of Education to Matignon was welcomed by LGBT associations.
“The appointment of Gabriel Attal goes in the right direction, it illustrates the fact that in 2024 in France it is possible to be homosexual Prime Minister,” reacted Joël Deumier, co-president of Sos Homophobia.
“The evolution of mentalities has made this appointment possible,” he added, evoking a “strong symbol”.
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The Prime Minister's room for maneuver on these issues, however, looks slim, particularly regarding GPA.
In April 2019, Gabriel Attal suggested that he would not be against an “ethical” surrogacy, to have a child, if it were legal in France.
But Emmanuel Macron has always opposed this measure.