French deputies on Friday voted to ban
ultra-thin catwalk models, despite howls of protest from modelling agencies
in
the world’s fashion capital.
“Anyone whose body mass index… is below a certain level will not be
able
to work as a catwalk model,” according to the amendment voted in the
National
Assembly lower house of parliament.
Agencies found employing models considered too thin could be liable for a
fine of up to 75,000 euros (85,000 dollar) and six months in prison.
“The prospect of such a punishment will have the effect of regulating the
entire sector,” said Olivier Veran, the deputy proposing the amendment, who
said that similar measures had been taken in Spain, Italy and Israel.
Health Minister Marisol Touraine had previously said that young models
should “eat well and look after their health”.
“This is an important message to young women who see these models as an
aesthetic example,” added the minister.
However, the National Union of Modelling Agencies has complained this
would
affect the competitiveness of French modelling.
The new law comes after a similar amendment was passed that would punish
people inciting others to “extreme thinness” to a year in prison and a fine
of
10,000 euros.
That law was aimed at so-called “pro-ana” websites that some accuse of
encouraging anorexia.
Up to an estimated 40,000 people suffer from anorexia in France, nine out
of 10 of them women and girls. (AFP)
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