Saturday, 18 May 2013


France: the word 'race' to be struck from Constitution

President Francois Hollande fulfills 2012 campaign promise

17 May, 18:35
 France moves against racism and xenophobia
(ANSAmed) - PARIS, MAY 17 - The word ''race'' is on the verge of disappearing from the French constitution, as parliament on Friday adopted a bill introduced by Left Party (PG) leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and supported by the Socialists.

Written in 1946, the French charter stipulates that ''France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law, without distinction of origin, race, or religion''. In the amended version, the term ''race'' will be struck, and a text will be added specifying that ''the Republic fights racism, antisemitism and xenophobia. It does not recognize the existence of any supposed race''.

President Francois Hollande promised during his victorious campaign, in March 2012, to strike the word ''race'' from all current legislation. ''The Republic has no room for race'', he said.