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France: Paternal Protest

July 8, 2013

In France, increasing numbers of divorced fathers are demanding custody of their children. Some even scaled a crane to demand the government hold talks with fathers' advocacy groups.

https://p.dw.com/p/193yy
Two of the four fathers who take action for their rights as parents, flash a heart-shaped sign next to banners on May 9, 2013 as they protest on a terrace on top of the cathedral in Orleans, western France. The group, whose members came from different places in France, previously planned a visit to the cathedral to enter it for their protest as divorced or separated parents. AFP PHOTO / ALAIN JOCARD (Photo credit should read ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)
Image: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images

France once played a pioneering role on the child custody front. It was the first EU member state to recognize shared parenting rights. According to the law, children of divorced parents are entitled to have a home with each of their parents. The situation in practice is different, however; where custody is disputed, judges will generally award it to the mother alone. The number of fathers lodging appeals against such rulings is growing.

Ausgelassen hüpft ein Vater am Himmelfahrtstag (13.05.2010) mit seinen Töchtern an der Hand eine Wiese im Kasseler Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe hinunter. Woanders wurde der "Vatertag" eher in typischer Männerrunde bei Bier und Bratwurst begangen. Foto: Uwe Zucchi dpa/lhe
Image: picture-alliance/dpa