<p>A new French minister brought in by President Emmanuel Macron in a reshuffle earlier this month has been accused of homophobia over her past comments against same-sex marriage and adoption.</p>.<p>Speaking in the Senate in 2013, Caroline Cayeux said that plans to legalise gay marriage at the time were "not only a simple intention that goes against nature" but a "headlong rush forward".</p>.<p>She said there was a risk of damage "if nothing stops desire."</p>.<p>Several gay rights groups including STOP Homophobie and Education LGBT filed a legal complaint against her on Wednesday, alleging that she had committed the crime of insulting people based on their sexuality while serving as a public figure.</p>.<p>Asked Tuesday if she stood by her previous comments, the junior minister for local government told the Public Senat channel that "obviously I maintain my comments. But I always said that if the law was voted for, I would respect it."</p>.<p>"I have to say that I have a lot of friends among these people. Frankly, I'm being unfairly targeted and it has really troubled me," said the 73-year-old.</p>.<p>She later apologised on Twitter, saying that her remarks were "inappropriate" and that "equal rights must always be a priority of our action."</p>.<p>A petition published this week by around 50 left-wing MPs demanded she be removed along with two other cabinet colleagues.</p>.<p>It accused Cayeux as well as new Environment Minister Christophe Bechu of being homophobic and highlighted the past opposition of Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to same-sex marriage.</p>.<p>Government spokesman Olivier Veran claimed on Wednesday that the controversy around Cayeux was "closed" after the apology, adding that she was part of a government that had always been committed to gay rights.</p>.<p>During Macron's first term, the government extended the right to fertility treatment to single and lesbian women despite opposition from conservatives.</p>.<p>The government has several high-profile gay ministers including Transport Minister Clement Beaune and Budget Minister Gabriel Attal.</p>
<p>A new French minister brought in by President Emmanuel Macron in a reshuffle earlier this month has been accused of homophobia over her past comments against same-sex marriage and adoption.</p>.<p>Speaking in the Senate in 2013, Caroline Cayeux said that plans to legalise gay marriage at the time were "not only a simple intention that goes against nature" but a "headlong rush forward".</p>.<p>She said there was a risk of damage "if nothing stops desire."</p>.<p>Several gay rights groups including STOP Homophobie and Education LGBT filed a legal complaint against her on Wednesday, alleging that she had committed the crime of insulting people based on their sexuality while serving as a public figure.</p>.<p>Asked Tuesday if she stood by her previous comments, the junior minister for local government told the Public Senat channel that "obviously I maintain my comments. But I always said that if the law was voted for, I would respect it."</p>.<p>"I have to say that I have a lot of friends among these people. Frankly, I'm being unfairly targeted and it has really troubled me," said the 73-year-old.</p>.<p>She later apologised on Twitter, saying that her remarks were "inappropriate" and that "equal rights must always be a priority of our action."</p>.<p>A petition published this week by around 50 left-wing MPs demanded she be removed along with two other cabinet colleagues.</p>.<p>It accused Cayeux as well as new Environment Minister Christophe Bechu of being homophobic and highlighted the past opposition of Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to same-sex marriage.</p>.<p>Government spokesman Olivier Veran claimed on Wednesday that the controversy around Cayeux was "closed" after the apology, adding that she was part of a government that had always been committed to gay rights.</p>.<p>During Macron's first term, the government extended the right to fertility treatment to single and lesbian women despite opposition from conservatives.</p>.<p>The government has several high-profile gay ministers including Transport Minister Clement Beaune and Budget Minister Gabriel Attal.</p>