A proposed hate crime law will have a chilling effect on free speech in the Republic of Ireland, opponents have predicted.
In a Seanad debate on the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022, Senators expressed fears that people would rather remain silent on ‘controversial’ issues than run the risk of prosecution.
Prior to the debate, the highly regarded Irish journalist Dr Helen Joyce warned that the Bill risked stifling free expression.
Supporting the Bill, Senator Pauline O’Reilly claimed that if someone’s views “on other people’s identities” caused “deep discomfort” it was the job of legislators “to restrict those freedoms for the common good”.
But Senator Rónán Mullen asked: “Will robust campaigning by parents against inappropriate school curricula be allowed?
“Will carrying a placard stating ‘Men cannot breastfeed’ warrant a hate speech investigation or up to five years’ imprisonment, a lifelong label as a criminal hater and all of the stigma and life limitation that goes with that? Nobody actually knows.”
Senator Michael McDowell called for the Bill to be amended, branding it “a charter for freezing genuine free speech and prevent people from articulating unpopular views”.
[FULL STORY HERE]
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