France: Paternal Protest
July 8, 2013![Two of the four fathers who take action for their rights as parents, flash a heart-shaped sign next to banners on May 9, 2013 as they protest on a terrace on top of the cathedral in Orleans, western France. The group, whose members came from different places in France, previously planned a visit to the cathedral to enter it for their protest as divorced or separated parents. AFP PHOTO / ALAIN JOCARD (Photo credit should read ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)](https://static.dw.com/image/16931429_800.webp)
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France once played a pioneering role on the child custody front. It was the first EU member state to recognize shared parenting rights. According to the law, children of divorced parents are entitled to have a home with each of their parents. The situation in practice is different, however; where custody is disputed, judges will generally award it to the mother alone. The number of fathers lodging appeals against such rulings is growing.