The Seanad is deeply engaged in debating the hate crimes bill, with both support and opposition being voiced.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee stressed the need for legislation to address criminal conduct motivated by hatred, acknowledging the lack of consensus in this area.
Senators have raised concerns about specific aspects of the bill, such as the definition of gender, urging for revisions to be made.
Despite disagreements, the bill signifies progress towards protecting individuals from harassment and discrimination.
Senator Marie Sherlock emphasized the importance of supporting individuals who face violence due to their identity.
Minister McEntee highlighted the urgency of enacting hate crime legislation to address the rising levels of hatred in society.
She shared a personal anecdote about a recent attack, illustrating the real-world impact of hate crimes.