Robert Badinter Enters the Panthéon

A Republican Tribute to a Justice Pioneer and Champion of Human Rights

In a defining moment of national remembrance and commitment to justice, the French Republic will honor Robert Badinter by inducting him into the Panthéon. The ceremony takes place on October 9, 2025—commemorating the anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in France. Celebrated as a prominent lawyer and former Minister of Justice under President François Mitterrand, Badinter is remembered not only for spearheading the abolition of capital punishment in 1981, but also for playing a key role in the decriminalization of homosexuality alongside MP Gisèle Halimi in 1982.

Standing before Parliament to advocate for the repeal of Article 331, Paragraph 2 of the French Penal Code—a remnant of Vichy-era legislation—he declared: “It is time we acknowledged everything France owes to its homosexual citizens.” This pivotal reform was enacted through the law of August 4, 1982, effectively erasing state-sanctioned discrimination and fulfilling a signature campaign promise by President Mitterrand: “Homosexuality must no longer be a crime.”

A Lifelong Commitment to LGBT+ Rights

Robert Badinter passed away at 95 on February 9, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to human rights. On the 40th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2022, he gave a thoughtful interview to têtu·, reflecting on his work, his belief in universalism—a principle he shared with his wife, philosopher Élisabeth Badinter—and the global threats to LGBT+ communities. Speaking from his Paris apartment overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens and the dome of the Panthéon, he stressed: “There should be a global movement that condemns the persecution of homosexual people around the world—it is unbearable!”

A Symbolic Resting Place for a Man of Principles

During the national tribute held on February 14, 2024, the advocacy group SOS homophobie celebrated his lifelong dedication to recognition, equality, and dignity for LGBTI people. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the ongoing relevance of Badinter’s ideals: “As oblivion and hatred seem poised to resurface, your ideals—our ideals—are under threat: the universal values that make all lives equal, and the rule of law that safeguards free lives.”

Robert Badinter now rests in vault VII of the Panthéon, alongside Condorcet, Abbé Grégoire, and Gaspard Monge—figures of the French Revolution reinterred during the 1989 bicentenary under Mitterrand. The Élysée Palace noted that Condorcet held special significance for Robert and Élisabeth Badinter, who both dedicated works to his legacy. As for Gisèle Halimi, her potential inclusion in the Panthéon remains under official review.

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