French racial discrimination fines rise up to €15 000

Fines begin at €1 500 for individuals, rising to €3 000 for a repeat offence. Businesses whose directors or employees are found guilty towards another employee or group of employees can receive fines of up to €7 500 per infraction, and as much as €15 000 for repeat offences.

Offences covered under the new fine amounts include any abuse relating to a person or a group of people due to their (perceived or actual) origin, background, ethnicity, nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identification.

As well as the fines, anyone found guilty of provocation, defamation or private insults can also be forbidden from carrying a weapon for three years without further authorisation, and also see the confiscation of any weapons owned by the guilty party, or weapons to which they have access, reported French newspaper Le Figaro.

They may also be required to do up to 120 hours’ community service, and take a citizenship training course at their own expense.