Inquiry into French homosexuality plaque vandalisation

The vandalism was discovered this week on the plaque, which is located in the city’s 2nd arrondissement.

The plaque commemorates the death of two men, Bruno Lenoir and Jean Diot, who were arrested on January 4 1750, and put to death on July 6 1750 for the then-crime of homosexuality.

As the plaque says: “This was the last execution for homosexuality in France.”

The plaque was this week found covered in paint and printed A4 sheets reading “To make a child: I am a man, not a gay”.

This is the second time the plaque has been vandalised in recent months.

The Mairie has now opened an inquiry “against X”, for reason of “destruction, degradation and deterioration not presenting danger to persons”.

This particular crime is defined in article 322-1 of the penal code, and applies when “the item destroyed, degraded or deteriorated is intended for the usefulness or public decoration, and/or belongs to to a public figure or is engaged in public service”.

The crime can be punished by up to five years of imprisonment and a €75,000 fine.