French Sen. François-Noël Buffet, a member of the right-wing Les Républicains party, was nominated last month to the position of Defender of Rights (DDD) and was approved by parliament in a 43-39 vote on Tuesday. Buffet’s nomination drew criticism because he opposes marriage equality and reproductive health care.

Buffet will now serve a six-year term as DDD that can’t be revoked before it’s over. The independent position, which is named in the constitution, will require him to be a watchdog for rights and freedoms, according to Le Figaro. The office comes with significant investigative powers and can intervene in certain areas related to whistleblowers, children’s rights, and discrimination.