Deputies approved a new procedure on Tuesday, September 22, aimed at regulating reports of sexual and gender-based violence (VSS) within political parties and trade unions. The amendment was proposed by Bertrand Bouyx, a deputy from the Horizons party representing Calvados, and received support from Karim Benbrahim, a socialist rapporteur from Loire-Atlantique. This move comes in response to several high-profile cases of VSS within these organizations, including the recent removal of Philippe Brun, a candidate from the Socialist Party, who was accused of "violence." Previously, deputies had passed an article that strengthens the protection of employees and public agents who are victims or witnesses of VSS. This article requires employers to conduct internal investigations and imposes potential financial penalties of up to 1% of the payroll. Bertrand Bouyx’s amendment seeks to apply similar protections to political parties and trade unions, acknowledging their unique structure. The amendment specifies that if the person involved holds a position of authority or could influence the impartiality of the investigation, the inquiry should be conducted by an independent body not under their control. Later that evening, deputies also approved an article allowing public agents and employees to take up to ten days of paid leave to deal with VSS-related procedures. Another significant amendment, proposed by Gabrielle Cathala of the LFI party from Val-d'Oise, aimed to direct VSS reports to the president of the departmental council of the Medical Council instead of the first instance disciplinary chamber. This amendment was inspired by the case of surgeon Le Scouarnec, who was convicted of numerous rapes, and highlights concerns about the so-called "parallel justice" system. However, the rapporteur, Guillaume Gouffier-Valente from the Renaissance party, opposed the amendment, arguing that the text was intended to "strengthen the disciplinary process rather than shifting it to an administrative body." The full examination of the proposed text is expected to be completed by Wednesday, with formal debate sessions scheduled to begin on October 1.