The Irish government is proceeding with legislation to outlaw so-called “hate speech” – even after the vast majority of respondents to their public consultation expressed opposition to the idea.
Last October, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 was being crafted following “extensive public consultation and research.”
This consultation on hate speech was conducted in late 2019, and gave members of the general public an opportunity to submit their views on whether or not Ireland’s speech laws should be updated. Individuals were allowed to submit letters outlining their views, and also respond to a survey with a list of pre-prepared questions.
We’re running a public consultation on hate speech to find out how our laws can be improved. You and your followers can tell us what you think 👉 https://t.co/LONuwIcN2T @_IHREC @PaveePoint @itmtrav @VoiceTraveller @NTWFIRL @ExchangeHouseIr pic.twitter.com/hsUWu6i1ud
— Department of Justice 🇮🇪 (@DeptJusticeIRL) November 12, 2019