‘Policing thought’: French bill to fight antisemitism accused of silencing Israel critics

‘Policing thought’: French bill to fight antisemitism accused of silencing Israel critics Submitted by Tassa Adidi on Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:56 Proposed law sanctions public statements ‘presenting acts of terrorism as legitimate resistance’ and creates a new offence punishing ‘incitement to the destruction or denial of a state’ Rally in support for activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid boat stopped by Israeli forces, in Lyon, south-eastern France, on 9 June 2025 (Alex Martin/AFP) Off A bill "aimed at combating renewed forms of antisemitism", which is due to be debated on by parliament next month, has sparked a heated controversy in France in recent weeks. Many organisations and parts of the political left suspect the proposed legislation of exploiting the fight against antisemitism to censor and criminalise criticism of the Israeli government. The bill was introduced in November 2024 by Caroline Yadan, an MP representing French citizens living abroad in a constituency including Israel and Palestine , who left President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance parliamentary group last summer to protest against his recognition of the State of Palestine.