French parliament votes for controversial DNA bill

France's Senate has approved a controversial law allowing voluntary DNA tests for would-be immigrants seeking to join family in France. The law was voted for in both the country's National Assembly and in the Senate. The bill passed by 282 votes to 235 in the lower National Assembly and by 185 votes to 136 in the upper Senate.

Supporters of the move - part of a tough immigration bill passed by the lower house and a package that came in with the Sarkozy presidency - say it will speed up the process for genuine applicants. They argue that 12 other European countries have similar rules.

The legislation asks immigrant family members older than 16 to take a test in their country of origin, demonstrating a good knowledge of French language and values. Applicants also have to prove that their family in France could support them and earn at least the minimum wage.
Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux made some last-minute changes to the bill before the Senate. The tests will now be paid for by the French government, to prevent any possible discrimination against those who cannot afford the tests. In addition, they will now only examine maternal DNA, to prevent paternity disputes arising from the tests.

The bill has been hugely controversial, prompting thousands of people to take part in street protests across the country last weekend. Critics have attacked the law as racist and question the use of genetics as a basis for citizenship.

Many in Africa also condemned the bill. Senegal's president, Abdoulaye Wade, had earlier criticised the French plan before the parliamentary vote. There are many Senegalese citizens living in France as well as citizens from many other Francophone African countries. "It is a serious mistake and not respectful of human freedom," the Senegalese president is quoted by the French news agency as saying.

Socialist deputy Arnaud Montebourg said: "This law violates the fundamental principles of the republic which do not define family and affiliation by biology." The Socialists say they will challenge the measure in the Constitutional Court.

An opinion poll in the daily Le Parisien of the French people showed 49% supported the bill and 43% were opposed.

This report is based on articles on the subject appearing on BBC Online