In a first of its kind law, the French lower house of parliament passed a bill that would make it illegal for anyone to “incite extreme thinness”, which would include the dissemination of magazine articles featuring anorexic-looking models.

This move, in what’s considered the fashion capital of the world, comes months after Spain banned ultra-thin models from appearing in runway shows. It’s part of a worldwide response to the 2006 death of a Brazilian model from anorexia. Italy has already banned models under the age of 16 from the catwalk and requires all those appearing on the runaway to present certificates verifying they do not suffer from anorexia.

Many see this as a positive step toward improving women’s health by ending the practice of promoting anorectic and ill women as “models” for the rest of us to be compared to.

The fashion industry, not surprisingly, is less enthusiastic about the idea.

“It may mean that we won’t be able to publish anything,” said Isabelle Maury, editor of France’s Elle magazine. “I wonder how this bill will be implemented and interpreted. If they decide to strictly implement it, it could mean that every fashion show and magazine will be banned or charged.”

Even supporters note that the ban wouldn’t necessarily improve nutrition for women, whether they’re in the fashion industry or not. They say that anorexia is tied to genetics many times, something that banning images of stick-thin models won’t change.

What say you, is this a step in the right direction toward reducing self-loathing and eating disorders, or is it just one more anemic governmental response that’s as lightweight as, well, a catwalk model?

Tags: anorexia, extreme thinness, thin models