Ireland PM wants to pass revised hate speech bill before next poll

DUBLIN, Ireland: Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his intention to pass a revised version of the hate speech legislation before the upcoming general election.

The proposed Bill seeks to modernize existing incitement to hatred laws from 1989 and incorporate provisions where "hate" would be considered an aggravating factor in certain offenses. However, concerns have emerged regarding the ambiguity surrounding the definition of "hate" and its potential impact on freedom of speech.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee plans to introduce amendments to address these concerns, particularly regarding hate-related crimes online. While the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 has already cleared the Dail, any amendments proposed and approved by the Seanad would require the Bill to return to the Dail for further consideration.

Fine Gael leader Harris is determined to pass the amended legislation before the upcoming general election, which must be held by March 22, 2025. He affirmed, "I have made a decision that we are going to pass a law in this space, I am very clear on that."

Despite Sinn Fein and some Government politicians, including Fine Gael TDs Charlie Flanagan and Michael Ring, advocating for scrapping the draft laws entirely, Harris emphasized that hate speech legislation is a commitment outlined in the Program for Government.

Acknowledging legitimate concerns about freedom of speech and clarifications needed in definitions, Harris emphasized the importance of addressing these issues. He stressed that hate crimes are a serious matter.

"If I want to be tough on law and order and support the gardai, that means supporting the gardai in pursuing all crimes, including hate crimes, and when the gardai believe they need new laws in this area, it would be a very irresponsible Taoiseach that would not take that seriously.

"So we will pass the Bill. The Bill will be amended and the Bill will seek to address significant concerns that have been made."

While discussing the amendments to the Bill, Harris underscored the need to avoid unintended consequences regarding freedom of speech. He urged politicians to be more receptive to public concerns and stressed the importance of engagement on such issues.

Reflecting on past experiences, including defeated referenda, Harris emphasized the need for humility and engagement with public concerns. "When enough people are saying 'there is a problem here', [it is] not putting your fingers in your ears and saying 'la la la' but actually trying to engage with people on the issue. That is what we will try to do," Harris said.