PARIS. – European Democratic and Social Rally (RDSE) declared on Thursday in Senate that it will vote against the bill criminalizing denial of all genocides, including the Armenian Genocide in 1915, Nouvelles d`Arménie reports quoting France-Presse

To note, the bill was offered by Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) MP Valerie Boyer and passed on Dec 22, 2011, by the French National Assembly. French Senate will discuss it on Jan. 23. The bill penalizes denial of the genocide fact intending a year of imprisonment and €45,000 fine.

RDSE 16 MPs (mainly left radicals) believe that legislative body should not interfere in such discussions or even consider criminal sanctions.

The Greens (10 MPs) also are against the bill adoption. Majority of the Socialists senators (130) members of Communist, Republican and Citizen Parties (21) and members of UMP (132) declared to vote for the bill.

Part of those against the bill, including some UMP members said they would not participate in the voting. Hence, about 283 Senators out of 348 or 81% will vote for the bill, which has good chances to be passed by the Senate.