French Bill Targeting Antisemitism Sparks Free Speech Row
Photographer: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP/Getty Images
A French bill aimed at combating what supporters call “new forms of antisemitism,” such as calls for Israel’s destruction, has ignited a fierce political battle, as critics warn it could restrict free speech.
The legislation, introduced by centrist lawmaker Caroline Yadan, is scheduled for debate in the National Assembly next week. But opposition has mounted sharply. A petition against it surpassed 500,000 signatures this week — a threshold that can trigger a separate parliamentary debate and underscores the intensity of public concern.