Christine Boutin, French politician, French Minister of Housing and Urban Development

A Profile of Christine Boutin: A Distinctive Figure in French Politics

Christine Boutin, born on 6 February 1944, is a notable former French politician whose career was marked by strong conservative stances, particularly on social issues. Leading the small but ideologically defined Christian Democratic Party (Parti Chrétien-démocrate), Boutin carved out a significant, albeit often controversial, presence in the French political landscape for over three decades.

A Distinguished Career in the French Parliament and Government

Legislative and Ministerial Roles

Boutin served with distinction as a member of the French National Assembly, representing the department of Yvelines, a constituency just west of Paris, from 1986 until 2007. Her long tenure in the National Assembly, the lower house of the French Parliament responsible for enacting legislation, allowed her to advocate for her principles consistently. In 2007, her parliamentary career transitioned to an executive role when President Nicolas Sarkozy appointed her as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. This significant ministerial position placed her at the forefront of national policy-making regarding urban planning, housing policies, and city development during Sarkozy's presidency.

Presidential Ambitions

Beyond her legislative and ministerial duties, Christine Boutin also sought the highest office in France. She participated as a candidate in the highly competitive 2002 French presidential election. In the first round of balloting, she secured 1.19% of the vote. While this percentage did not allow her to advance to the second round, her candidacy provided a platform for her Christian-democratic and socially conservative views in a national arena, highlighting the presence of such a political current in France.

Ideological Stance and Key Controversies

Leadership of the Christian Democratic Party

As the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (PCD), Christine Boutin championed a socially conservative Christian-democratic ideology. The PCD, though small, was notably associated with the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), which was then the major center-right political party in France, later rebranded as Les Républicains. This association provided the PCD and Boutin with greater visibility and a degree of influence within the broader conservative political spectrum.

Vocal Opposition to Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriage

Christine Boutin gained widespread recognition, and often generated significant public debate, for her very vocal opposition to the introduction of civil unions in France and, later, to same-sex marriage. Her stance against the "Pacte civil de solidarité" (PACS), a form of civil union established in France in 1999 that offered legal recognition and rights to couples, including same-sex couples, was a defining aspect of her political identity. She continued this fervent opposition as the debate shifted towards full same-sex marriage, which was eventually legalized in France through the "Loi Taubira" in 2013, despite considerable public demonstrations and political divisions.

Legal Challenge Over Remarks on Homosexuality

Her strong views on social issues led to legal repercussions. On 18 December 2015, the correctional court of Paris condemned Christine Boutin to a fine of €5,000 and an additional €2,000 in legal damages. This judgment was rendered after she publicly stated that "homosexuality was an abomination." However, this verdict was subsequently challenged. On 16 March 2016, the Paris Court of Appeal overturned the initial conviction. The appellate court ruled that while her remarks were indeed offensive and shocking, they fell within the scope of freedom of expression and did not constitute incitement to hatred or discrimination, thereby annulling the prior judgment.

Retirement from Public Life

On 21 October 2017, Christine Boutin officially announced her decision to withdraw from political life. This announcement was accompanied by her resignation as a departmental councillor for Yvelines, a local elected position she held, marking the definitive end of her long and impactful career in French politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christine Boutin

What is Christine Boutin best known for?

Christine Boutin is widely recognized for her steadfast and vocal opposition to civil unions (Pacte Civil de Solidarité or PACS) introduced in France in 1999, and later to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. Her socially conservative stance on these issues defined much of her public image.

What was the outcome of the legal case against Christine Boutin regarding her comments on homosexuality?

While Christine Boutin was initially condemned in December 2015 for stating that "homosexuality was an abomination," this conviction was overturned by the Paris Court of Appeal on 16 March 2016. The appellate court ruled that her remarks, despite being offensive, were covered by freedom of expression and did not constitute incitement to hatred.

Which political party did Christine Boutin lead?

Christine Boutin was the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (Parti Chrétien-démocrate), a socially conservative Christian-democratic political party in France, which was associated with the larger center-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP).

When did Christine Boutin serve as a minister?

Christine Boutin served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development from 2007 until 2009, appointed to this position by then-President Nicolas Sarkozy.