The Senate rejected the filiation bill. This aims to make it easier for citizens to change their surname.
On Thursday, February 24, the Senate voted to reject the bill relating to filiation. In question, the refusal of the National Assembly, to amend it by taking into account the remarks of the senators. They deplore in particular that theinterests of children has not been sufficiently taken into account, arguing for example that it would be so “possible to change the name of a minor child simply to facilitate the life and procedures of a parent”. Moreover, some also fear a backlog of administrative services. The fiercest argue that the text jeopardizes the very concept of identity and its foundations.
Presented by the Minister of Justice, Eric Dupond-Moretti, the text is eagerly awaited by many French people who wish to change their name in order to be able to reclaim their identity, erase a painful past from their surname, or on the contrary reaffirm a strong bond. Some celebrities have worn the bill, including Nolwenn Leroy. The coach of The Voice explained on social networks that he had changed his name to take that of his mother Muriel Leroy: “Carrying his name, that’s what I wanted. To show him respect.”
Change last name more easily
The text of the law provides for a substantial simplification of the law currently in place. Every French citizen can when he turns 18 choose his surname. Thus, he can decide to take his mother’s, his father’s, or both. But the choice can also be made when the child is a minor. Parents can go to the town hall to ask to change their child’s username before they turn 18.
Today, about 35% of name change requests are rejected. The only reasons deemed valid and accepted for changing the name concern the ridiculous of a surname which can lead to mockery and discrimination, its negative connotation in the story which can also be harmful, or to avoid expulsion.