Today's Date:

Criminalization of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems

The Minister of Foreign Affairs presented a Bill authorizing approval of the Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime, concerning the criminalization of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems.

This Protocol, negotiated at France's request, complements the Convention on Cybercrime of 23 November 2001, of which the Bill approving the Protocol has now been submitted to the National Assembly.

It steps up the fight against acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems by harmonizing criminal law in order to crack down on practices such as the publication of racist and xenophobic material and racist and xenophobic-motivated insults and threats. It also facilitates extradition and judicial assistance in order to crack down on such activities.

This Protocol's entry into force will allow more comprehensive action to combat the public expression of denialist or revisionist statements and arguments, and the approval or public justification of acts of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Application of the principle of secularity (laïcité) in French State schools

The Minister for Youth, National Education and Research presented a Bill on the application of the secular principle in French State schools.

The aim of the Bill is to reaffirm the secular principle whose implementation is today encountering new and growing difficulties, particularly in schools, and which in the past few months has aroused wide debate in society.

It prohibits in French State schools the wearing of signs or clothes which conspicuously denote a pupil's religious affiliation. On the other hand, discreet signs denoting religious affiliation will remain possible.

The Act will come into force at the start of the school year following its publication so that schools can adapt their internal rules, and the necessary work of explanation, dialogue and mediation needed for its implementation can take place.

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By recalling the values instilled at school, this Bill, which respects freedom of conscience and the need for balance and has been drawn up on the basis of the principle of secularity, will allow this principle to be put into practice in a way consonant with the Republic's ideals.(...)./.