Quebec considering voluntary anti-anorexia charter, minister says

Quebec is considering following France's example in the fight against anorexia, the provincial culture minister says.

Christine St-Pierre said Wednesday she is looking at tabling a voluntary charter against promoting an extremely thin body image. Fashion professionals, the advertising industry and media would be invited to sign the charter.

She did not rule out resorting to tougher legislation if the results from the voluntary charter are unsatisfactory.   

St-Pierre, who is also Quebec's minister responsible for the status of women, said she is very interested in France's approach to fighting anorexia.

"It inspires me a lot," she said.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight.

St-Pierre, whose visit to France is addressing several matters, met with a variety of French officials involved in the fight against anorexia, including the French health minister.

An estimated 40,000 people in France — mostly teenagers — are affected by anorexia.

In April, French fashion houses and advertising agencies signed on to a voluntary charter on body image and pledged to no longer promote thinness as a cornerstone of beauty. They also said they would promote "body diversity."

The French charter is not binding and France has decided against legislating against anorexia, unlike Spain.

The French did table a bill in the National Assembly earlier this year which called for fines and even jail for those promoting excessive thinness but it did not pass.

St-Pierre said that for now she prefers promoting awareness instead of coercion but she did not rule out tougher measures if incentives are not enough.

"In France, the message is clear: if there is no progress in the fight against anorexia, they could move into second gear," she said. "I find that an interesting approach."