France Bans Child Beauty Pageants. Should They Be Illegal Here Too?

Child beauty pageants have always raised controversy here in the states, some parents’ lives revolve around having their children compete in pageants while others find it distasteful and exploitive to youth. Though critics of the pageants haven’t made much headway in banning them here, France’s anti-child pageanters have succeeded in declaring the contest illegal.

France’s The Local reports about the new ban on beauty pageants for kids under the age of 16 that was recently passed by senators in the country to prevent the hyper-sexualisation” of young children. The ban comes with some harsh punishments; violators who are found holding an illegal pageant will be charged with committing a criminal offense and could face up to two years in prison along with hefty fines.

Centrist Senator Chantal Jouanno spoke out against the pageants saying, “Let’s not let our daughters think from such a young age that they will be judged according to their appearance. Let’s not let commercial interest impact on social interest.” Interest in banning the pageants was sparked after a Vogue magazine layout featured some provocative images of a 10 year old dressed more like she was in her 20’s, wearing lots of make-up, tight clothes, and high heels.

What do you think about France’s ban on child beauty pageants?

Would you like to see something like this implemented here or do you think child beauty pageants are not as bad as critics make them out to be?