French Senate Debates Author-Publisher Relations, Rejects "Conscience Clause"
The French Senate debated a bill on author-publisher relations, adopting most provisions but rejecting an amendment for a "conscience clause" for writers. The clause, inspired by journalists' rights, aimed to allow contract termination due to editorial policy changes or new majority shareholders affecting authors' interests. While the Minister of Culture supported considering it, senators sought further consultation, deeming it a "media response" that could destabilize publishing contracts. The adopted bill includes a guaranteed minimum copyright payment and faster royalty disbursements.