A Short-Lived Presidency Amid Growing Controversy

Less than two months after her appointment, Marine Rosset has announced her resignation as president of the Scouts and Guides of France (SGDF). Elected at the age of 39 in June, the Parisian socialist and openly lesbian politician, also an advocate for abortion rights, faced a surge of criticism—especially from conservative circles and far-right websites. In an interview with La Croix, she shared her decision: “I chose to step back… the situation had become untenable. My priority is to protect the movement, as well as my family, which is why I decided to resign.”

A Misrepresented Image of the Movement

According to Rosset, her personal beliefs were exploited to damage the reputation of the organization. “After I was elected, some individuals weaponized views I had previously expressed, resulting in a distorted and false image of the Scouts and Guides of France,” she stated. Rosset also pointed to attacks on her sexual orientation, saying these were particularly hurtful. “What angers me most,” she added, “is that my faith was sometimes called into question simply because I’m gay. That’s deeply offensive.”

Political Tensions Heightened by Electoral Pressures

The situation escalated further with the announcement of a special legislative election in Rosset’s district, where she had been a candidate in both 2022 and 2024. She explained that the electoral context made every public statement increasingly complex. “It became clear to me that the movement should not be reduced to my individual profile. It stands for far more. I did not want my personal situation to tarnish its reputation,” she said.

Resignation Met with Support—and Disappointment on the Left

Rosset’s resignation drew strong reactions from left-wing figures. On social media platform X, Socialist MP and Paris mayoral candidate Emmanuel Grégoire voiced his support, condemning the “unacceptable insults, hate and crude homophobia” she endured. Socialist MP Boris Vallaud, Court of Auditors President Pierre Moscovici, and PS Secretary General Pierre Jouvet similarly denounced the “wave of harassment” directed at her. Communist Senator Ian Brossat also criticized the “wave of homophobia” and accused the political right of remaining “complicit through their silence” in the face of attacks from the far-right sphere.

SGDF Condemns Attacks and Reaffirms Neutrality

In an official statement, the Scouts and Guides of France affirmed that Rosset’s decision helps preserve the political neutrality of the organization. The leadership strongly denounced “violent, discriminatory, or dehumanizing comments” aimed at their former president—particularly condemning homophobic rhetoric, which they described as “fundamentally incompatible with our educational and organizational values.” The SGDF also expressed support for Rosset’s legal complaint, filed in Paris in early July, and stated that the association might pursue legal action of its own.

A New Chapter for the Leadership

Although stepping down as president, Marine Rosset will remain involved with the organization in her role as an administrator. A shared leadership structure has been set up, now led by interim president Pierre Monéger. With over 100,000 members, the SGDF remains the largest scouting organization in France—surpassing the more conservative Scouts Unitaires de France and Scouts d’Europe.