The bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial was discussed during Philippe Labro’s “Langue de bois s’abstenir” weekly program on Direct 8 French TV channel.

“French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to adopt the Genocide bill and the first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is involved in this,” Turkish media quoted journalist Chloé Leprince as saying during the program.

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.