French feminist writer Dora Moutot is facing new criminal complaints that could result in prison time over her criticism of gender ideology and her defense of women-only spaces.
Moutot was already convicted in May of “public insult” following comments she made during a 2022 television debate with transgender mayor Marie Cau. During the discussion, Moutot referred to Cau as biologically male and argued that women have legitimate reasons to be cautious about males entering female spaces.
The Paris court fined her €1,000 and ordered additional payments in damages and legal costs. Moutot has appealed the ruling.
She now faces six additional criminal complaints, reportedly connected to statements made on social media, her feminist blog, and YouTube channel. Among the statements under scrutiny are arguments that women should be allowed to question why biological males should gain access to female bathrooms, changing rooms, and other sex-segregated spaces.
Moutot says the latest charges could carry a sentence of up to one year in prison.
The case has also attracted international attention. UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem has criticized efforts to sanction women for expressing concerns about biological sex and female safety, arguing that such views should not be treated as hate speech.
Moutot has also said that authorities have failed to adequately investigate threats made against her while aggressively pursuing complaints over her speech.
The case has intensified concerns over free speech in France, particularly whether critics of gender-identity policies can openly defend sex-based rights without facing criminal penalties.