The Cabinet has supported Minister for Justice Helen McEntee’s decision to prioritize hate crime legislation over hate speech laws. The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 will undergo amendments focusing on the hate crime element in the Seanad soon.
Minister McEntee emphasized the importance of enacting hate crime legislation to send a strong message that crimes motivated by prejudice will face harsher penalties. Despite concerns about the hate speech component, she is determined to see the hate crime provisions implemented.
The Bill previously received approval in the Dáil but faced criticism from various quarters, leading to its stalling in the Seanad. Moving forward, Minister McEntee is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring that the legislation effectively addresses hate-motivated crimes.