Taubira

Christiane Marie Taubira, born on 21 February 1952 in Cayenne, French Guiana, is a French politician and lawyer known for her work on civil rights, social justice, and the place of overseas territories in French political life. A long-time figure on the French left, she has been active in advocating anti-discrimination measures and the inclusion of minority communities in national policy. She studied law in France and pursued a career as a lawyer before entering politics.

Taubira was elected to the French National Assembly representing Guiana and later served in the cabinet as Minister of Justice (Garde des Sceaux) from May 2012 to January 2016 under President François Hollande. In that role, she oversaw and championed major reforms, including the 2013 law opening marriage and adoption to same-sex couples, commonly referred to as the Taubira law. The measure marked a significant milestone for LGBT rights in France and sparked widespread national discussion.

During her tenure, Taubira emphasized human rights, criminal justice reform, and the rights of overseas communities. She resigned from the government in January 2016, citing a desire to step back from frontline politics and noting differences in the government’s direction. Since leaving office, she has remained active as a public commentator and writer, contributing to debates on justice, democracy, and the memory of colonial and post-colonial histories. She is regarded as a prominent and recognizable figure associated with France’s overseas territories and progressive reform.