Khaberni - France is experiencing political discussions and controversy over a bill proposed by Caroline Yadn, a member of the National Assembly (Parliament), related to the classification of what is called "renewable forms of anti-Semitism" amid concerns that this concept could be expanded to include support for Palestine.
Paris witnessed a demonstration near the Parliament building on Tuesday in protest against the "Yadn" bill.
Demonstrators stated that the bill confuses combating antisemitism as a racist crime with legitimate political criticism against Israel's policies, which could lead to the criminalization of solidarity with the Palestinian people and peaceful political criticism.
Parliament members explained that the bill aims to expand the definition of antisemitism to include criticism of Israeli policies, considering this linkage unacceptable and potentially misused against associations and activists supporting Palestine.
They affirmed that the bill could lead to silencing voices criticizing Israeli massacres in the Gaza Strip.
Parliamentarian Lisa Fusion, from the Communist Party bloc in the Parliament, told Al Jazeera live that the law confuses political crime with racial hatred.
Organizations participating in the protests said they would continue to organize stands and send messages to deputies to either defeat the project or amend it, emphasizing that they will not accept attempts to silence solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Protesters emphasized the importance of defending rights and freedoms, supporting the Palestinian people, and rejecting the project which they believe restricts freedom of opinion and political debate, affirming that defending Palestinians is part of the democratic values that the French Republic is supposed to protect.
What is the Yadn Law?
The "Yadn" bill aims to enhance the fight against “renewable forms of racism and antisemitism" by including crimes and violations related to speech and incitement, especially what is considered encouragement of hatred against Jews and linking it with criticism of Israel and non-recognition of it as a state.
The bill proposes expanding the scope of criminal penalties for speeches considered as hateful or contributing to violence or belittlement. It is based on broader legal definitions to consider some forms of criticism of Israel as a gateway to defining "antisemitism" and criminalizes the non-recognition of some states as independent, such as Israel.
The bill was proposed by Parliamentarian Caroline Yadn, who belongs to the Presidential Alliance supporting President Emmanuel Macron and represents the eighth constituency for the French residing in other countries, including Israel.
Supporters and Opponents in Parliament
Members of the "Together for the Republic" alliance (the presidential coalition parties) support the bill, and members of the majority coalition parties, including the Socialist Party, have signed it.
Left-wing parties, such as France Unbowed, the French Communist Party, and the Greens have announced their opposition to the bill as it may limit political debate and freedoms.
Among the opponents of the bill are members of Macron’s Renaissance Party which has deep internal discussions about the law, while the National Rally, an extreme-right party, has not yet decided but had previously refused to support similar laws in the context of countering legal antisemitism.
Where does the law stand now?
Caroline Yadn submitted the bill in November 2024, but it was not included in the National Assembly’s agenda until January of the current year, and it was introduced in the Legislation Committee on Tuesday for discussion of its clauses.
