The legislation would authorize soldiers to open fire on terrorists in the event of a major domestic terror operation. If passed, it would be the first time since World War II that French soldiers would have such a right.
Right now French soldiers on the street can only open fire in cases of self-defense.
"Faced with the threat of terror, our legal framework is totally unsuitable," French defense adviser Pierre Sergent said, as cited by the Telegraph.
One of the reasons is that France will host a series of big international events, including a climate change summit in December and the Euro 2016 UEFA football tournament.
"France has to protect itself from ISIL and has to make some tough decisions like revoking the citizenship of French jihadists, evicting their families and forbidding jihadists from returning to France, and if they do, we have to bring them to justice and restore the death penalty for terrorism," French lawmaker Jean-Luc Schaffhauser said.
It's hard to say whether the decision is legitimate. On one hand, the legislation might give too much power to soldiers, some of whom could kill individuals who might not be terrorists. Racial minorities and those whose physical appearance might resemble a stereotypical "terrorist look" would be in danger of getting shot right in the street simply for looking like someone they're not.
On the other hand, with the increased terrorist acts in the country and the existing framework under which French soldiers can only open fire when defending themselves, perhaps a different approach is needed to keep more acts of terrorism from taking place.
