FRANCE French President Emmanuel Macron faced backlash after describing pro-transgender policies proposed by his political rivals as “ludicrous” during a World War II commemoration on June 18.
Macron criticized the left-wing New Popular Front’s proposal to simplify legal gender changes, saying, “There are completely ludicrous things, like going to change sex in town hall.” Opposition leaders quickly condemned Macron’s remarks.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, a left-wing party leader, called the comments “outrageous” on social media. The controversy comes as France prepares for national elections on June 30, with Macron’s Renaissance party facing pressure from both far-right and left-wing coalitions.
UNITED KINGDOM The UK Labour Party, favored to win the July 4 election, released a manifesto with limited LGBTQ commitments, disappointing trans rights advocates.