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Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee has announced that the government will scrap plans for hate speech legislation, citing a lack of consensus among lawmakers and concerns from free speech advocates.
The proposed bill aimed to modernise anti-hate laws, but its vague definitions and potential restrictions on online speech sparked widespread criticism.
While the country will not introduce hate speech laws, it will still focus on combating hate crimes through hate crime legislation.
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On Saturday, The Irish Times reported that the Irish government will drop the incitement to hatred section of the bill, focusing instead on hate crime legislation that provides for tougher sentences when hate is proven as a motivation for an offence.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the “incitement to hatred” element of the bill does “not have a consensus” and will be dealt with at a later time. She is “adamant” that hate crime legislation would be enacted. In the meantime, she plans to include committee stage amendments to the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 in the Seanad.
The decision comes after increased opposition from within the government, opposition parties and free speech groups, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, who vowed to fund legal challenges against the proposed legislation.
The controversy surrounding the bill highlighted concerns about the potential for vague definitions and overreach, with critics arguing that it could criminalise memes, books or videos deemed politically offensive.
Further reading:
- Republic of Ireland retreats from planned hate speech legislation, News Letter, 22 September 2024
- Plan to introduce hate speech laws has been dropped, Minister for Justice confirms, The Irish Times, 21 September 2024
- Ireland scraps controversial hate speech measures following criticism by Elon Musk, Conor McGregor, Fox News, 21 December 2024
- Seanad Éireann debate – Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, Houses of the Oireachtas
Featured image: Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. Source: RTE
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