French deputies on Friday voted to ban ultra-thin catwalk models, despite howls of protest from modelling agencies in the world’s fashion capital.
“Anyone whose body mass index… is below a certain level will not be able to work as a catwalk model,” according to the amendment voted in the National Assembly lower house of parliament.
Agencies found employing models considered too thin could be liable for a fine of up to 75,000 euros ($85,000) and six months in prison.
“The prospect of such a punishment will have the effect of regulating the entire sector,” said Olivier Veran, the deputy proposing the amendment, who said that similar measures had been taken in Spain, Italy and Israel.
Health Minister Marisol Touraine had previously said that young models should “eat well and look after their health”. “This is an important message to young women who see these models as an aesthetic example.”
However, the National Union of Modelling Agencies has complained this would affect the competitiveness of French modelling.
Up to an estimated 40,000 people suffer from anorexia in France, nine out of 10 of them women and girls.
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