France stands for human rights protection and promotes the idea of equality and fraternity. That's why French democracy has always fought xenophobia, denouncing crimes against humanity, a French MP said, dwelling on French Senate’s adoption of the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

“Having deep respect for human values, I am proud to have been spokesman of the ruling party that backed passage of the Genocide bill,” Renaud Muselier told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“Adoption of the bill provides condemnation of all the genocides committed,” the French politician said.

On January 23, the French Senate passed the bill with 127 votes for and 86 against.

On December 22, 2011, it was adopted by the French National Assembly. The bill will impose a 45,000 euro fine and a year in prison for anyone in France who denies this crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire.

The bill is believed to take effect in France within two weeks, after it will be signed by President.