France drops down LGBT-friendliness rankings

An increase in homophobic assaults has seen France drop 11 places in an international table of LGBT-friendly nations.

The Spartacus guide, which is published annually, has placed France in 17th place in the list, down from six in 2018. Portugal, Sweden and Canada are the top three nations, while America - ranked 39th in 2018, has dopped to 47th. Chechnya is ranked last.

France's drop in LGBT-friendly status has been put down to an increase in homophobic attacks, but also in part to the postponement of MPs debates on bioethics laws that were supposed to open up IVF treatment to all women.

The Spartacus guide examines three main criteria for its rankings: acquired rights - such as same-sex marriage and adoption rights, discrimination and restrictions on individual rights.