The bill “to strengthen respect for the principles of the Republic” was approved by the Council of Ministers and forwarded to the presidents of the National Assembly and Senate on 9 December 2020. The text was passed at first reading on 16 February by the National Assembly. The Senate debate on the bill will start on 30 March 2021. Amnesty International considers that several provisions in the bill raise particular concerns regarding France’s obligations to respect the rights to freedom of association and expression, and the principle of non-discrimination.
