France's Constitutional Council OKs end-of-life law, strikes down social media ban for under-15s

France's Constitutional Council has cleared a law establishing a "right to end-of-life assistance," paving the way for assisted suicide and euthanasia under strict conditions. The council, however, imposed three "interpretative reservations." These allow entire institutions, such as Catholic clinics, to refuse the procedure based on freedom of enterprise and association. Pharmacists will also be able to invoke a "clause of conscience" to refuse to prepare lethal medication.

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does not contain any article contrary to the Constitution

The council fully censored a ban on social media for minors under 15, ruling it too "general" and lacking parental authorization options. This restriction on freedom of expression and communication was deemed "neither appropriate nor proportionate" for child protection. The decision also noted that users, even adults, would have to prove their age, infringing on privacy without legal guarantees.

Conversely, a ban on mobile phones in high schools was approved and can take effect in September, provided President Emmanuel Macron promulgates the law without its flagship promise. The council also found most of an emergency agricultural law to be in line with the Constitution. This includes a controversial article allowing the temporary reintroduction of two banned pesticides, subject to "double reservations."

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too general, without the possibility for parents to 'authorize access' in certain cases

While two articles were censored on their merits and five others as "legislative riders," key measures concerning water storage and wolf culling escaped censure. The "Ripost" security law also saw some articles removed.

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neither appropriate nor proportionate