The bill criminalizing genocide denial does not threaten a free expression of will as it is directed against extreme denial policy, Senator Herve Marseille said during the Monday debate in French Senate. He considers France should protect “its adoptive children”.  

Socialist Senator Philippe Kaltenbach said he is proud that the parliament would show “we are not retreating from our values. To stand denial policy is to kill victims for the second time.”

“The Armenian Genocide was adopted by 30 states and international agencies. I am confident that it is necessary to punish for the genocide denial,” he said.