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| - French lawmakers on Tuesday voted down a planned "health pass" to certify a person as Covid-free, a key part of President Emmanuel Macron's plan to help end months of painful restrictions. Opposition parties criticised the bill for posing a discrimination risk, not least because millions of people have yet to be inoculated. But Macron's party also failed to rally the support of the Modem, a fellow centrist party that normally is a natural ally. Modem lawmakers wanted firmer details on how the pass would be used, saying the government was basically asking for a blank cheque. They pressed for a firm number on how many passholders would be allowed at large gatherings, but the government insisted on a need to remain flexible. In the end the bill was defeated by 108 votes to 103 in the lower-house National Assembly. "There was no dialogue and no listening" to concerns, Modem lawmaker Philippe Latombe said. The pass would have initially been used to allow travel outside France for people showing proof of coronavirus vaccination, a recent negative test or recovery from a Covid-19 infection. On phones or a paper certificate, it was destined to let people attend sporting events and other major gatherings, but would not be used to enter restaurants, cinemas or stores. It would dovetail with the "green certificate" the EU hopes to have in place next month to ease travel during the summer holidays. "The health pass will allow us to reopen places welcoming the public, festivals and gatherings," Digital Affairs Minister Cedric O had said. "Without this health pass, we would have to wait much longer," he added. The government can submit the bill for a second vote before its scheduled move to the upper-house Senate on May 18. adc/js/bp
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