2024 2022 2017 2012 Following repeated homophobic statements by incumbent MP
Christian Vanneste, the
Union for a Popular Movement once more withdrew its endorsement of him (as it had done in 2007), but this time (unlike 2007) stood a candidate against him. Vanneste stood as the candidate of the
Rally for France, a minor party of which he was the president since March 2012. Vanneste was eliminated in the first round of the vote, finishing fourth with 13.18%. The Socialist and UMP candidates were qualified for the runoff, receiving respectively 30.69% and 25.06% of the vote.
2007 Christian Vanneste, the incumbent MP for the
Union for a Popular Movement, lost the endorsement of his party after making repeated homophobic remarks. He had said in particular that homosexuality was an "acquired habit" which could be lost through "reeducation"; that homosexuality was "sectarian", inherently "narcissistic" and a "threat to the survival of humanity"; and that all homosexuals were "heterophobic" Such comments are rare in France, and drew widespread condemnation. The UMP did not allow him to stand as its candidate, but it did not stand a candidate against him. Vanneste stood as the candidate of the
National Centre of Independents and Peasants, an associate party of the UMP. After his successful reelection, he was fully reintegrated into the UMP, and sat as one of its members in Parliament.
2002 1997 ==References==