“The situation had become untenable.” In a daily interview The cross (title of the Bayard group, as The pilgrim) Published this August 6, Marine Rosset announces her resignation from the Presidency of Scouts and Guide de France (SGDF). This decision comes only about fifty days after its election at the head of the youth Catholic movement.
A contested election
Voted at almost unanimity-22 votes for, one against, an abstention-this election had indeed aroused controversy, which had overflowed from the SGDF circles. The criticisms had quickly oriented themselves around two axes. First of all, the personal situation of Marine Rosset – parent of a child with his partner – and his positions on societal subjects – in particular abortion – had caused some discomfort due to the gap with the official positions of the Church. A certain number of chaplains had thus expressed their concern, the SGDF being canonically recognized as a movement of church.
Marine Rosset’s political commitment – presented as “elected local” by the movement – had also been denounced by some. She had indeed been a candidate for the legislative elections under the colors of the new Popular Front (NFP) and remained strongly involved in the Socialist Party. For some critical voices, this partisan commitment was incompatible with the highest functions within the SGDF, a movement which aims to be apolitical.
An unexpected electoral deadline
Did these controversies be enough to push Marine Rosset to resignation? According to the SGDF press release announcing its departure, another data came into play: “This decision follows the announcement of a by -election in the 2nd district of Paris, from which Marine Rosset is the result”.
At the time of her election at the head of the movement, she undertook not to try to run for national political functions. The announcement of the invalidation of the election of the Parisian deputy, thus reviving an opportunity for the young woman, would therefore seem to have weighed in the balance. However, it is not yet specified whether it will be a candidate or not.
“A wave of violent attacks”
Be that as it may, the SGDF deplore in their press release “a wave of violent attacks, some of which are homophobic”. “I am angry, especially because we have sometimes been able to question my faith, because of my homosexuality, deplores Marine Rosset in his interview with The cross. It is hurtful. “However, she is confident for the future of the movement:” The movement of scouts and guides of France is open to everyone, and will remain so “.