French Lawmakers Call for National Strategy to Combat Rising Chemsex Practices
A bipartisan group of deputies urges action on chemsex amid growing public health concerns and recent controversies.
A group of French lawmakers from various political parties is raising alarms about the increasing prevalence of chemsex, a practice characterized by the use of drugs to enhance sexual experiences.
On March 31, 2025, these deputies voted to propose a resolution urging the government to establish a national prevention strategy regarding chemsex.
This follows heightened public awareness after an incident involving comedian Pierre Palmade, who caused a serious accident in February 2023 after participating in chemsex for several days.
A 2022 report submitted to the Ministry of Health estimated that chemsex involves between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals in France.
Deputy Brigitte Liso, a member of the ruling party, highlighted that knowledge of chemsex remains limited among the public, despite it being a significant public health concern.
She noted the sensitive nature of the issue, which intertwines themes of sexuality and drug use.
Chemsex predominantly affects men who have sex with men, according to the deputies.
The proposal for a national strategy to address chemsex has garnered the support of 124 parliamentarians from a wide array of political groups, while leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI) and the National Rally (RN) were not involved in the initiative.
The resolution seeks a comprehensive epidemiological assessment and the implementation of preventative measures, which may include support for associations, educational campaigns, and training for healthcare professionals.
Liso remarked on the growing occurrence of chemsex among younger populations from diverse backgrounds and regions, highlighting the easy accessibility of related substances and the role of dating applications in facilitating these activities.
Health risks associated with chemsex include addiction, unsafe sexual practices leading to infections, potential violent situations, and overdose deaths.
Deputy Arthur Delaporte, co-signatory of the resolution and president of the HIV/AIDS study group in the Assembly, emphasized the need to convey the seriousness of this issue.
He referred to recent news articles that illustrate the potential dangers linked to chemsex practices.
Furthermore, a recent case involving Deputy Andy Kerbrat, who was caught purchasing drugs connected to chemsex, underscores the widespread nature of the issue, cutting across different sectors of society, including among lawmakers.
In late 2023, Liso succeeded in securing a budget allocation of €300,000 for chemsex prevention in the finance law commission; however, this funding was not included in the final legislation approved by the government.
The resolution discussed on March 31, 2025, is non-binding but is expected to pass with significant support from across the political spectrum, including LFI.
Ségolène Amiot, another deputy, expressed the urgent need for substantial government investment in preventive measures, warning of an imminent crisis in public health, particularly given the existing strain on addiction services.
She also pointed out the expansion of chemsex practices among heterosexual individuals, who lack sufficient access to preventive resources created by the LGBT+ community.
The RN has likewise expressed its support for the resolution, with Deputy Thierry Frappé stating the importance of addressing this urgent issue, which requires increased public acknowledgment and intervention.
On March 31, 2025, these deputies voted to propose a resolution urging the government to establish a national prevention strategy regarding chemsex.
This follows heightened public awareness after an incident involving comedian Pierre Palmade, who caused a serious accident in February 2023 after participating in chemsex for several days.
A 2022 report submitted to the Ministry of Health estimated that chemsex involves between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals in France.
Deputy Brigitte Liso, a member of the ruling party, highlighted that knowledge of chemsex remains limited among the public, despite it being a significant public health concern.
She noted the sensitive nature of the issue, which intertwines themes of sexuality and drug use.
Chemsex predominantly affects men who have sex with men, according to the deputies.
The proposal for a national strategy to address chemsex has garnered the support of 124 parliamentarians from a wide array of political groups, while leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI) and the National Rally (RN) were not involved in the initiative.
The resolution seeks a comprehensive epidemiological assessment and the implementation of preventative measures, which may include support for associations, educational campaigns, and training for healthcare professionals.
Liso remarked on the growing occurrence of chemsex among younger populations from diverse backgrounds and regions, highlighting the easy accessibility of related substances and the role of dating applications in facilitating these activities.
Health risks associated with chemsex include addiction, unsafe sexual practices leading to infections, potential violent situations, and overdose deaths.
Deputy Arthur Delaporte, co-signatory of the resolution and president of the HIV/AIDS study group in the Assembly, emphasized the need to convey the seriousness of this issue.
He referred to recent news articles that illustrate the potential dangers linked to chemsex practices.
Furthermore, a recent case involving Deputy Andy Kerbrat, who was caught purchasing drugs connected to chemsex, underscores the widespread nature of the issue, cutting across different sectors of society, including among lawmakers.
In late 2023, Liso succeeded in securing a budget allocation of €300,000 for chemsex prevention in the finance law commission; however, this funding was not included in the final legislation approved by the government.
The resolution discussed on March 31, 2025, is non-binding but is expected to pass with significant support from across the political spectrum, including LFI.
Ségolène Amiot, another deputy, expressed the urgent need for substantial government investment in preventive measures, warning of an imminent crisis in public health, particularly given the existing strain on addiction services.
She also pointed out the expansion of chemsex practices among heterosexual individuals, who lack sufficient access to preventive resources created by the LGBT+ community.
The RN has likewise expressed its support for the resolution, with Deputy Thierry Frappé stating the importance of addressing this urgent issue, which requires increased public acknowledgment and intervention.
