France's parliament has "approved to extend the state of emergency imposed following November's terrorist attacks, with ministers arguing it will provide greater security" during the UEFA Euro 2016 football championship and the Tour de France, according to Paul Wright of the INT'L BUSINESS TIMES. The measures were given a two month extension on Thursday, "having been passed by 46 votes to 20 in the National Assembly." The Euro 2016 championship will be hosted in France between June 10 and July 10. Both the final and opening game will be played at the Stade de France, the "stadium in northern Paris that was targeted by three suicide bombers during the terrorist attacks" on Nov. 13. The extension of state of emergency measures "would also cover the Tour de France," taking place between July 2-24. The extra powers allow law enforcement authorities to place under house arrest anyone considered "a threat to security and public order." They also "permit a tightening of border controls and measures to ban protests and public gatherings." Unlike previous extensions, "searches of homes without a warrant will not be allowed" (IB TIMES, 5/19).
