Debate in the French Senate on a bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial turned into a discussion on its constitutionality.

Chairman of the Legal Commission of the Senate, representative of the ruling Union for a Popular Movement, Jean Jacques Yest spoke in favor of referring to the unconstitutionality of the bill. He noted that all countries have only adopted resolutions, rather than a law recognizing the Armenian Genocide. 

Senator from the opposition Socialist Party Bernard Piras spoke for adoption of the bill. He considers that only through approval of the bill it will be possible to prevent denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Senator Francois Zocchetto also spoke for unconstitutionality of the bill.

On October 12, 2006, the French National Assembly approved a bill penalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide. The bill needs the Senate’s consideration to be enforced.

Representatives of the Armenian community of France are holding a protest action at the moment.