SKINNY LAW: CAN IT HAPPEN IN THE US?
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THE SKINNY LAW
WireImage.com
By Phebe Hunnicutt
Joining the growing outcry against extremely skinny models, the French parliament is considering passing a bill that would make extreme thinness illegal. While France is not the first country to react to the ultra-thin trend (in 2007 Spain banned too skinny models from the country's catwalks), the proposed legislation would be the strongest in the world. If the bill is passed, French judges could fine offenders up to $47,000 if found guilty of "inciting others to deprive themselves of food" according to the author and supporter of the French law, Valery Boyer.
Boyer believes promoting severe weight loss should be punishable in court and she's not just aiming at the fashion industry, but all media, especially internet sites. What initially prompted the new French bill was arise in pro-anorexia websites offering advice on dangerous subjects like making an apple last all day to visual inspiration of ultra-thin women.
While the French government's attempt to curb the presence of questionable images in a thin-obsessed culture has been welcomed by medical experts who work with patients suffering from eating disorders, it's not clear if the proposed law will have a real impact on health issues. Despite the belief that too-thin models in the media and self-starvation are connected, the scientific evidence has yet to emerge to support a direct link between these images and health issues.
Responding to news of the proposed law, popular American designer Bradley Bayou, who has spoken against too-thin images in the fashion industry tells AOL StyleList exclusively: "I am very happy the French parliament has acknowledged this issue. Even if the bill does not pass the Senate, at least the topic is in discussion. I do not understand how it is possible for the US to continue ignoring this problem, especially since now Spain, Italy and France have all recognized it's serious and pertinent nature. I can only hope one day soon we too will address this issue by establishing repercussions for those who promote unhealthy body images in the media and fashion."
