Sen. Phillippe Kaltenbach of the Socialist Party spoke in favor of the adoption of a bill penalizing Armenian Genocide denial.

“The bill is meant as a countermeasure against Genocide denial policy,” the Senator said.

“After the 1915 Genocide, many Armenians found refuge in France. With representatives of many cultures as French citizens, our country aims to protect the rights of every one of them,” Sen. Kaltenbach said, urging for political will in the issue.

“Many may regard the bill as attempt to disregard the opinions of those negating the Genocide, rather than an effort to establish equality and peace,” the Senator said, noting the wave of protests following a possible adoption of the bill as expectable.