Debate grows in France over proposed Israel-related speech restrictions
It has also triggered public debate and protests, with a petition opposing the bill reportedly gathering more than 500,000 signatures.
A proposed law in France that would introduce new restrictions on certain forms of speech related to Israel is scheduled to be considered in the French National Assembly on Thursday (16 April), Middle East Eye reports.
The draft legislation has received backing from lawmakers across several political groups, including some from the far right, according to reporting by Middle East Eye.
It has also triggered public debate and protests, with a petition opposing the bill reportedly gathering more than 500,000 signatures.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The bill is sponsored by French MP Caroline Yadan, who represents French citizens living abroad. She has described support for Israel as a key part of her political position.
If approved, the proposal would introduce offences including criminalising the denial of Israel's existence and prohibiting comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. It also sets out penalties of up to five years in prison and fines for violations.
According to the report, the legislation further expands provisions related to "terrorism"-related speech.
It introduces the concept of "implicit" provocation, which could allow for prosecution of statements interpreted as indirectly encouraging or justifying acts designated as terrorism. The draft suggests this could include language describing such acts as "resistance" or interpretations seen as insufficiently condemnatory.
Former anti-terrorism judge Marc Trévidic has raised concerns about the scope of the provision, particularly regarding the interpretation of intent in speech cases.
Another provision extends existing laws on crimes against humanity to include certain comparisons involving Israel and Nazi Germany, which the text describes as a trivialisation of the Holocaust.
France already has legislation addressing Holocaust denial, but critics of the new proposal argue it expands restrictions into broader political expression, while supporters say it aims to address "harmful" or "extremist" speech.
Public reaction has been mixed, with opposition groups calling for the bill to be withdrawn, while supporters argue it is necessary to address rising tensions related to Israel's war on Gaza.
