Not only cloning, but talking about it may become a crime in France

From: JDP (jacques@dtext.com)
Date: Mon Feb 03 2003 - 05:08:53 MST

  • Next message: Jonathan Standley: "Re: Not only cloning, but talking about it may become a crime in France"

    New bioethical laws are being formally discussed in France, and will
    be adopted under some form very soon.

    The French Minister for Health, Mr Mattéi, said he would, in agreement
    with the Minister for Justice, Mr Perben, propose "a new
    incrimination" (20 years prison) called "crime against the human
    species", "aimed at reproductive cloning, and at eugenical practices
    with a goal of organizing the selection of persons". (Therapeutic
    cloning would be forbidden, too.)

    Two days ago a new step was reached in the propositions, as the Sénat
    formally proposed two more amendments. The first, to penalize (3 years
    prison and 45 000 EUR) "the provocation to reproductive cloning as
    well as propaganda or publicity in favor of cloning", the second, "to
    reinforce prevention and repression of sectary movements".

    The idea of the latter is to add propaganda etc. in favor of cloning
    as one reason warranting the civil dissolution of a movement, hence
    considered as sectary.

    If this passes, then, any movement ("suivez mon regard") that would
    speak about cloning as something to consider, could be considered a
    sect and forcefully dissolved.

    I had a booklet in project about the topic (I am preparing a
    collection of booklets, each one offering food for thought about one
    future-oriented topic); I guess it may, within a few days, become
    illegal to publish it.

    Jacques



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