TUNIS — Tunisia’s parliament voted to criminalize racial discrimination on Oct. 9 in what supporters are calling a historic step in the protection of minority rights in the country.

“Today, minorities and non-Tunisians who might face discrimination in our country are protected by the law,” said Rania Belhaj Romdhane, a member of M’nemty (My Dream), an anti-racism organization that advocated for the legislation. “It is a very important step.”

 Messaoud Romdhani, head of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, agreed in regard to the law's significance. After the vote, he was reported as saying, “This is a very important turning point in the history of Tunisia, equivalent to the abolition of slavery.”

Under the law’s provisions, those convicted of using racist language could be imprisoned for one month or fined $350, while those guilty of inciting hatred, making racist threats, spreading and advocating racism or belonging to an organization that supports discrimination could face one to three years in prison or a $1,050 fine. Even steeper fines can be levied against institutions and associations found to have engaged in discriminatory practices.