France encouraged the Egyptian anti-discrimination decree against religious, racial and sex discrimination. French FM's official spokesman Bernard Valero said this decree is considered a positive initiative. It follows with the Egyptian constitutional announcement of 2011 and the international announcement of human rights. Valero made this statement during a press conference on October 17. He also said France hopes this decree contributes in respect of public freedoms. Chairman of Egypt's ruling military council, Hussein Tantawi passed a decree to amend some penal code articles. The decree provides anyone committing any action causing religious, racial, language or sex discrimination among individuals or against a certain sect will be imprisoned and fined from 30,000 to 50,000 EGP (U.S. $5,025 – 8,375).