Boy Commits Suicide Due To Homophobic Bullying In France.
The suicide of a 13-year-old French boy who was bullied at school for his homosexuality has sparked national outrage and calls to address homophobia.
An investigation has been opened into the harassment of a minor after the boy, Lucas, took his own life in the Vosges region of eastern France. Regional prosecutor Frederic Nahon said late Thursday that the boy’s friends told investigators he had been the victim of bullying “by pupils at his school for several months due to his homosexuality”.
The family has not yet filed a criminal complaint, but the situation at the Louis Armand school has been reported to the education ministry.
French leaders have expressed their condolences and determination to prevent bullying in all forms. The family’s lawyer said the family wants to bury their son in peace before considering a complaint.
“I am thinking of all the students like him who are bullied. Their despair is the basis of my determination to prevent all forms of bullying,” France’s Education Minister Pap Ndiaye wrote on Twitter.
Transport Minister Clement Beaune, who came out as gay while serving as Europe minister in 2020, tweeted: “Homophobia kills. Sadness and support to the family of Lucas.”
“This is intolerable,” added Diversity Minister Isabelle Rome. “All light must be shed on this tragedy and the homophobic circumstances surrounding it,” she said.
The local education authority said that Lucas had been the target of “mockery” at school since the end of the holidays in September.
“This was immediately taken seriously by the teams at the school, who showed great care on a daily basis,” it said.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, and the family is asking mourners to bring LGBTQ signs in solidarity. The incident has prompted expressions of shock in the country and warnings that homophobia kills.
Source | NDTV
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