This is the call from Lucas’s mum to other young people. On Sunday, over 500 marched in a silent march for the secondary school student.
The suicide of young Lucas has outraged France.
The case has become a turning point in the fight against bullying and incitement, not least against young LGBT people.
Following the initiative of the family, a “white march” was organized for Lucas on Sunday.
– Protect your children. Talk to them. Educate them, was the message from the mother to other parents.
An appeal also went out to those who are bullied, for example because you are gay.
WHITE MARCH: On Sunday, a silent march was organized for Lucas in the town of Èpinal in north-east France. Photo: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP
– If you are having a hard time at school, talk to someone.
Mamma Séverine went first in the march. With the portrait of her son Lucas (13) in her hands.
– My boy, I love you. You are always in my thoughts. You were my star. I will love you forever. I love you more than you thought.
These were among the words Séverine managed to express, before the emotions took over.
Liked Adele
Behind her marched several hundred others. Many went to the same secondary school as Lucas. Some dressed in white T-shirts with a picture of Lucas. A march in silence, at the request of the family in the French town of Épinal, in the north-east of the country. At the end of the march, a letter to Lucas was read out by his godmother.
– Lucas had ambitions and dreams. He enjoyed being with his brother and enjoyed music. The favorite was Adele. He could listen to her on repeat hour after hour. He was a proud big brother to his sister.
Need someone to talk to?
- Mental Health helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours a day)
- The church’s SOS: 22 40 00 40 (open 24 hours a day)
- Leve National Association for survivors of suicide: Accepts inquiries by e-mail: [email protected] or telephone 22 36 17 00 (weekdays 9am-3pm)
Source: Helsenorge.no
On January 7 this year, Lucas took his own life. He was found in his room by his stepfather and sister.
HAIRDRESSER: The dream of Lucas (13) was to become a hairdresser. He was also a big fan of the British artist Adele. Photo: PRIVATE
The parents believe he took his own life after being bullied because he was gay. The suicide of the secondary school student has shaken France. Lucas’ death has led to debate about, among other things, the school’s role in cases of incitement and bullying. Especially towards young LGBT people.
Lucas left a diary, in which the police found information that led to charges against four fellow students. The investigation has found information that supports the parents’ claim that bullying was a triggering factor for Lucas taking his own life.
There is a new law from March 2022 in France that makes it possible to punish, including minors, for bullying and incitement.
The purpose of the law is to show both children and parents what is illegal in the form of incitement and work. It must have a preventive effect and provide protection to both victims and perpetrators.
Two girls and two boys of the same age and from the same school will be brought before a juvenile court this spring and may be convicted of bullying.
– It’s not just the four of them. It is not just the four, but this is the judiciary that will decide. I hope that he gets justice, said his mother Séverine at a recent press conference.
Severe penalties
The new bullying act allows for severe penalties. If you are convicted, you can get from three to ten years in prison, or fines from 45,000 euros, around 450,000 kroner and up to several million kroner. It is unthinkable that children should be sentenced to prison for such an incident, claim legal experts in France.
Lucas’s mother wished before the march that those who have bullied could also participate in the march and fight against incitement and hate speech.
