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France says NO to child beauty contests

Sept 18, 2013

Look out Honey Boo Boo, you won't be able to strut down the catwalk in France any more.

French lawmakers banned children's beauty contests to prevent the "hyper-sexualisation" of kids.

Judging children under the age of 16 based on their physical appearance in beauty pageants is now a criminal offense.

Under the new law, pageant organizers face up to two years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

The law was prompted by a Vogue photographic shoot that included provocative images of three girls who was photographed with heavy makeup and tight dresses, high heels and expensive jewelry.

The new law also included legislation to combat unequal pay, domestic violence and to encourage fathers to take parental leave.

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